Predictions of when international flights may resume/bans lifted

[MEL_Traveller]

Story of the day is that Tourists will be allowed back within the next three weeks.

Yeah - I fear this is going to lead to more disappointment. They interviewed half a dozen tourism operators on the news last night - all believing that an open border is going to resurrect their businesses and lead to prosperity.

They don't seem to be able to understand that lifting border restrictions isn't going to guarantee tourists will come. Those going back to China for example have to do 14-56 days quarantine. Are they really going to come here for a two week holiday?

 

[Pushka]

Yeah - I fear this is going to lead to more disappointment. They interviewed half a dozen tourism operators on the news last night - all believing that an open border is going to resurrect their businesses and lead to prosperity.

They don't seem to be able to understand that lifting border restrictions isn't going to guarantee tourists will come. Those going back to China for example have to do 14-56 days quarantine. Are they really going to come here for a two week holiday?

Well, for many it will give an opportunity to come here to see family who aren't regarded as close. Baby steps. Europe and UK and US. And when cruise ships start up again there is huge pent up demand to come here.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Those going back to China for example have to do 14-56 days quarantine. Are they really going to come here for a two week holiday?

I don't think anyone in the tourism industry is reasonably expecting Chinese tourists to be their market.

A return of tourists from South East Asia and the possibility of South Korea, Japan etc coming back in greater numbers will help. Perception is going to be very important though, the less in the way of testing expenses and restrictions there are, the more people will come. Those scared about catching COVID overseas are not going to be placated by three tests within a week unless they live under a doona anyway.

Probably the biggest thing that needs sorting out is abandoning useless QR check ins in VIC and NSW, and implementing an easy procedure for recognition of overseas vaccination certificates (for tourism purposes).

Wonder what incoming tourism figures are in the likes of England for example?

 

[jakeseven7]

They don't seem to be able to understand that lifting border restrictions isn't going to guarantee tourists will come. Those going back to China for example have to do 14-56 days quarantine. Are they really going to come here for a two week holiday?

China is dead for a while at least everyone knows that…in many respects, to many western countries now.

…All the testing requirements also need to go, ASAP. That will get more bums on seats.

People don’t seem to realise that most of the world has moved on…. I talk to my mates in the UK, US and they think we are batpoo crazy. Only NZ is considered crazier

 

[Pushka]

Wonder what incoming tourism figures are in the likes of England for example?

Well, with the four day public holiday to celebrate the Queens Platinum anniversary in June, I'd suggest they are expecting - millions. And we will be there too.

 

[jakeseven7]

Well, with the four day public holiday to celebrate the Queens Platinum anniversary in June, I'd suggest they are expecting - millions.

How many status credits did she need for that? 1400?

 

[Pushka]

How many status credits did she need for that? 1400?

Not sure but I'd love the coaster she will get for her luggage.

 

[Lynda2475]

And when cruise ships start up again there is huge pent up demand to come here.

The bigger threat to cruise revenue is fact that any travel insurance that covers covid pretty much excludes crusies.

the four day public holiday to celebrate the Queens Platinum anniversary in June

Is that just a SA thing? AFAIK NSW only get the standard Monday Queens Bday holiday.

 

[jase05]

Is that just a SA thing? AFAIK NSW only get the standard Monday Queens Bday holiday.

Talking about the UK I believe

 

[straitman]

The bigger threat to cruise revenue is fact that any travel insurance that covers covid pretty much excludes crusies.

Is that an opinion or does it have a factual basis?

 

[Pushka]

The bigger threat to cruise revenue is fact that any travel insurance that covers covid pretty much excludes crusies.



Is that just a SA thing? AFAIK NSW only get the standard Monday Queens Bday holiday.

It's in the UK only. We are going overseas! Yay. . Sorry should have made that clear. I was answering the last question of @Must...Fly! 's post about expectations of travel overseas.

Is that an opinion or does it have a factual basis?

I did see aolicy where you could add in a cruise. But it will depend on the cruise line and location. Viking sometimes dumps people in foreign ports but accom and transport out is provided, and sometimes they isolate people onboard. They test passengers every single day.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Is that an opinion or does it have a factual basis?

At least some of the policies I have been researching seem to cover cruises, provided you pay the supplement.

 

[Lynda2475]

Is that an opinion or does it have a factual basis?

Well its my experience to date, spent a lot of time reading the fine print for all the Australian issued Travel Insurance policies that Choice lists as having Covid coverage (variety of under writers for Lloyds, Zurich, Tokyo Marine), majority of the ones which include cancellation coverage have a call out to say that if you take a cruise of more than 1 night covid coverage is void (of course still covered for non-covid stuff).

Now as to whether people are willing to risk cruising without insurance, well that is up to their own personal risk assessment and bank balance.

The fact that insurers are now issuing policies with Covid coverage, has helped with demand for other types of travel, insurers still clearly seeing cruising as higher risk.

 

[Must...Fly!]

It is a matter of time at the end of the day. I don't recall exclusions for norovirus outbreaks in the BC times...

 

[drron]

Well I have had no problems finding a travel policy with covid cover for cruises. But being 75 they are much more expensive than BC. Also the only multi trip annual policy that will cover a 75 year old limits each trip to 21 days.
The last annual policy I took out BC was $1300 with a 90 day trip limit.

 

[Pushka]

Well I have had no problems finding a travel policy with covid cover for cruises. But being 75 they are much more expensive than BC. Also the only multi trip annual policy that will cover a 75 year old limits each trip to 21 days.
The last annual policy I took out BC was $1300 with a 90 day trip limit.

Which ones cover cruises? I'm being lazy. And not 75

 

[drron]

Probably will go with Covermore.

 

[Lynda2475]

Probably will go with Covermore.

Whilst you can still get cruise cover, if you include a cruise in your overall policy that can disqualify you from some of the included covid coverage.

Covermore for example in its PDS states "Cruise related COVID-19 benefits - Some benefits do not apply to claims involving travel on a multi-night cruise. For example, there is no cover for medical expenses if You are diagnosed with COVID-19 on or after a cruise. See pages 46-49 for details of what cover is included."

Medibank makes a similar statement as does Allianz.

It can get messy if you have an unrelated medical issue but then get covid, as they will use covid as an out.

For me personally unlimited medical coverage and decent level of covid cancellation coverage is key - I found Go Insurance (not to be confused with Insure & Go) had the best covid coverage for cancellation and fewest restrictions if you added cruise cover. Not that I was looking for cruise cover (but did want to make sure day cruise trips were ok).

 

[drron]

There are 3 different levels of cover for international Covermore insurance. You are also quoting the old PDS. The new one issued 2/2/22 will not cover medical expenses due to covid on a multi night cruise. Not applicable pre and post cruise. And all other medical expenses still able to be claimed

 

[Lynda2475]

There are 3 different levels of cover for international Covermore insurance. You are also quoting the old PDS. The new one issued 2/2/22 will not cover medical expenses due to covid on a multi night cruise. Not applicable pre and post cruise. And all other medical expenses still able to be claimed

Sorry you are incorrect I quoted the latest PDS dated 2nd Feb 2022 I refer you to page 10: https://www.covermore.com.au/sites/default/files/pds-cover-more-leisure-2022-02-02.pdf

Cruise related COVID-19 benefits Some benefits do not apply to claims involving travel on a multi-night cruise. For example, there is no cover for medical expenses if You are diagnosed with COVID-19 on or after a cruise. See pages 46-49 for details of what cover is included.

Clear states will not cover medical expenses after the cruise.