Industry news

CNA reports that Malaysia will suspend its citizens umrah travel to Saudi Arabia, effective January 8, due to increasing concerns about the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

The Bangkok Post reports that the return of travel may see a surge in demand for passports by South Korean citizens looking to travel abroad, which may overwhelm production capability.

SCMP reports that Wednesday the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced that quarantine exemptions for fully vaccinated arrivals would be suspended for two weeks starting on Friday.

The New York Times reports that anxiety over the Omicron variant of COVID has caused numerous countries to seal their borders against travelers.

Travel Daily Media reports that Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province just welcomed its first international tourists -- and the first into the country -- after almost 2 of bans under the COVID pandemic.

CNBC reports that business travel spending worldwide may grow 37% next year to over $1 trillion, with full recovery in 2024.

Skift has published its new Recovery Index forthe travel industry, showing that globally total travel is at about 64% of pre-pandemic levels.

Reuters reports that Malaysian long-haul low-cost airline AirAsia X's creditors have agreed to a restructuring that will pay off only 0.5% of the massive debt already owed, as well as terminate [...]

Reuters reports that European countries now account for half the world's daily new COVID-19 cases, a surge that is causing several governments to implement responsive measures.

The Straits Times reports that the government of South Kore has decided to ease its quarantine requirment for inbound tourists.