Ep 82: 2021: The Year So Far in ASEAN - Top 20 Talking Points

So, two weeks into the 2nd half of 2021 – and the travel outlook remains rather gloomy. That said, there has been plenty to talk about, and in the 35th podcast of the year, Gary and Hannah take a critical look back … and forward.

We compiled a list of the Top 10 Travel Talking Points of 2021 So Far, and a second list of the potential Top 10 Travel Talking Points for the Second Half of 2021.

Looking back, we assess the current and long-term impact of a second consecutive Chinese New Year blowout, plus the extension of Singapore’s Cruises to Nowhere season, the Phuket Sandbox, and the Delta Variant.

Looking ahead, we discuss vaccine mixing, emerging pressures on government finances and currencies in key economies, and concerns that a new COVID-19 variant could emerge in Indonesia - South East Asia’s largest and hardest hit nation.

On a brighter note, we pick our two ‘dark horse’ markets that could bring a little optimism later in 2021.