Regulatory Alerts2022-03-31
A circular dated March 8, 2022 regarding the decision of the Ministry of Trade and Industry regarding import for private use
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourism has rebounded with a record 1.5 billion tourists globally in 2019, and it is expected that the number of international tourists will return to the pre-pandemic levels around July 2022, while domestic tourism has seen an upswing thanks to COVID-19 restrictions on international travel. As countries continue to ease lockdowns and open their borders for tourists, there are a few things that could impact the full recovery of the tourism industry, including the pace of vaccine distribution, the rate of new infections, and the effectiveness of various measures taken by governments worldwide to contain the spread of the virus. However, assuming that the current trends continue: 1. If all goes as planned with the vaccination campaigns, and there are no major setbacks in distribution or efficacy, we can expect a return to **near pre-pandemic levels by July 2022** at the latest, though this timeline is subject to change depending on vaccine availability. As for domestic tourism within countries, if all goes according to the current plan: * The **timeline for a full domestic recovery will likely be in line with international tourism.** And if there are any disruptions in the supply of vaccines or their effectiveness: * A **slight delay is possible, but it should not significantly impact the overall trend towards a recovery in both domestic and international tourism**. 2. If we see a continued increase in the rate of vaccine distribution, and there's a steady decrease in new cases and hospitalizations, we could potentially see a faster return to **near pre-pandemic levels by June 2022.** However, the above scenarios are dependent on several factors such as travel restrictions being lifted, the resumption of international flights, and the general state of public health in each country. It's also worth noting that it is possible to **transition existing tourism infrastructure towards eco-tourism and clean energy usage.** Various projects are being implemented aimed at introducing natural gas and reducing transportation costs for a fee with an interest rate of 8%. This could potentially lead to: * A **more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the tourism industry** by incorporating the use of cleaner energies such as natural gas, which is in line with the goals set forth by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). * Additionally, transitioning vehicles within the tourism sector towards using natural gas could potentially reduce transportation costs for tourists and help offset some of the economic losses faced by the industry during the pandemic. In conclusion, while there are no guarantees in predicting the future, it is clear that with proper planning and implementation of sustainable practices, the tourism industry can continue to thrive and grow. The role of governments worldwide will be crucial in facilitating this transition towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for all.