Ep 89: 2021: The Year So Far in Malaysia, with Faeez Fadhlillah

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18 Aug 2021 β€’ 35m00s

Malaysia continues to struggle with containing COVID-19, and despite an accelerated vaccine programme is not currently permitting international or interstate travel. Compounding the problem is a worsening economic and political crisis, which resulted this week in the resignation of the government.

So in Part 6 of our 2021: The Year So Far In… series, Gary and Hannah bring it home to Malaysia to chat with Faeez Fadhlillah, CEO of TripFez, Honorary Treasurer of the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents and a PATA Board Member. Regularly involved in travel policy discussions with the government, Faaez is perfectly placed to discuss the current situation for travel businesses in Malaysia, and the outlook for the rest of the year and into 2022.

During the interview, we analyse the ‘travel bubble’ landscape, a heavily touted reopening on the island of Langkawi, and other potential tourism restart options.

Plus, we discuss why South East Asia needs ASEAN to develop a unified vaccine recognition strategy. And, as a travel entrepreneur, what are Faeez’s plans for reinvigorating Tripfez in the near future?

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