The Covid crisis could have a ‘very long shadow’ when it comes to flying and travel in general, according to global research by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). ‘Passengers are telling us that it will take time before they return to their old travel habits,’ says Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO.

Qantas has released a three-year strategy to guide recovery and return to growth in the changed market.

The airline says around 100 aircraft will be grounded for up to 12 months, some for longer. There will also be job losses and extended stand downs to manage a long period of reduced flying, especially internationally.

An accountant who specialises in the travel and tourism sector says the vast majority of his 70 plus travel agency clients will come through the other side of Covid-19 – bruised but not beaten.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced a free online interactive world map to provide travellers with the latest Covid-19 entry regulations by country.

World Animal Protection (WAP) has called on the United Nations World Tourism Organisation to ensure the travel industry takes a lead role in stopping commercial exploitation of wild animals.

Ben Pearson, head of campaigns for WAP, says the tourism industry is one of the most vulnerable to disease pandemics and must be at the forefront of preventing future ones happening. ‘Central to that is stopping the exploitation of wild animals.

The Travel Corporation (TTC) and its numerous brands (Trafalgar, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Contiki and Costsaver) have announced newly enhanced Covid-19 related protocols and hygiene standards for all of its guided vacations once domestic and international travel resumes. TTC’s executive and operations team members have spearheaded a complete review of the sanitation and hygiene measures around end-to-end guest experiences and interactions.

Tourists and Icelandic residents entering the country will be given the option of being screened for the novel coronavirus from 15 June.

The choice means the 14-day quarantine will not be mandatory for passengers arriving at Keflavík International Airport.

Genting Cruise Lines’ SuperStar Gemini and SuperStar Aquarius are providing temporary on-board accommodation for foreign workers in Singapore who have recovered from Covid-19.

‘We are pleased that our on board facilities, as well as preventive and safety standards, meet Singapore’s strict requirements for this initiative,’ says Michael Goh, president of Dream Cruises and head of international sales, Genting Cruise

Some New Zealand agents are optimistic that they will be able to benefit from selling domestic travel once restrictions around Covid-19 ease, and before anywhere else in the world opens up to Kiwi travellers.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging Asia-Pacific states to take urgent action to provide financial support to their airline industry impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.