international business travel "bubble" now taking applications
Feb 18, 2021, 7:49 pm
#1
Original Poster
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international business travel "bubble" now taking applications
This is quite interesting: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...changi-airport
My suspicion is that almost no one will take part in this, because you might as well just video conference instead of this. Curious to hear others' thoughts, and I'll be following the media to see how successful this is.
My suspicion is that almost no one will take part in this, because you might as well just video conference instead of this. Curious to hear others' thoughts, and I'll be following the media to see how successful this is.
Feb 27, 2021, 5:50 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Doubtful it will get much traction and as invisible replied, results will likely be similar to the Thai STV program.
ETA: Forgot to mention I’ve optimistically booked a vacation to Singapore in Nov this year. Hoping things will start opening up by then!
ETA: Forgot to mention I’ve optimistically booked a vacation to Singapore in Nov this year. Hoping things will start opening up by then!
Last edited by samplat; Mar 1, 2021 at 5:51 pm
Feb 27, 2021, 6:13 pm
#4
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This is quite interesting: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...changi-airport
My suspicion is that almost no one will take part in this, because you might as well just video conference instead of this. Curious to hear others' thoughts, and I'll be following the media to see how successful this is.
My suspicion is that almost no one will take part in this, because you might as well just video conference instead of this. Curious to hear others' thoughts, and I'll be following the media to see how successful this is.
Feb 28, 2021, 11:36 am
#5
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Sorry, it worked well for me. Anyway, Singapore has started a program in which you can arrive as a business traveler and hold meetings, but only in a specially designed facility. You have to have approval in advance and you are sealed off and behind glass for your meetings. Your Singaporean counterparts are on the other side of the glass from you. Think prison visiting and no chance to get out and see the wonders of Singapore itself. Most of us here think that this will be quite a failure, but they have put a lot of money into it. Maybe you can read this article: https://www.connectedtoindia.com/sin...lers-8921.html
Mar 1, 2021, 7:33 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Well, majority of above chat group (>70%) does not expect that Singapore will be open until second half of 2022. Or at least until 90% of the local population is vaccinated.
Give or take. I am not saying that it will be like this but key for happiness - low expectations.
P.S. On subject note - if they are going to feed these ‘visitors’ the same food as they serve these in hotel jail, well good luck.
Last edited by invisible; Mar 1, 2021 at 7:38 pm
Mar 4, 2021, 7:09 am
#7
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,412
Sorry, it worked well for me. Anyway, Singapore has started a program in which you can arrive as a business traveler and hold meetings, but only in a specially designed facility. You have to have approval in advance and you are sealed off and behind glass for your meetings. Your Singaporean counterparts are on the other side of the glass from you. Think prison visiting and no chance to get out and see the wonders of Singapore itself. Most of us here think that this will be quite a failure, but they have put a lot of money into it. Maybe you can read this article: https://www.connectedtoindia.com/sin...lers-8921.html
Mar 4, 2021, 12:18 pm
#8
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I also have this sneaking suspicion that they'd meet you as you disembark the plane, encase you in plastic, and march you right to your sealed hotel room, from which you would only move to the sealed meeting room.Sounds like a blast. I really hope that they tell us how many people actually do meetings this way.
Mar 4, 2021, 9:48 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 163
Count me in the optimistically booked group. Hoping to be in Singapore for Chinese New Year and grabbed award space in business class while it's available (Cathay over/EVA back). Hotel redemption rates are really good right now too. Worst case scenario is I have to pay to redeposit the flight awards. I think once countries announce firm reopening dates award seats are going to vanish quickly (maybe even paid ones too).
Mar 4, 2021, 9:59 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2007
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P.S. Nothing is and will be ‘firm’ from now on until Covid is eradicated worldwide (hello SG/HK travel bubble) or whole earth population is vaccinated. Which pretty much is the same.
And if covid is conquered, who guarantees that new super-dooper virus is not coming tomorrow?
Mar 4, 2021, 10:05 pm
#11
Join Date: Dec 2007
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You joke but these transit pax who are allowed to transit thru SIN are not allowed to go to airside- they are marched directly into their departure box from the plane.
Mar 4, 2021, 10:24 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 163
And if countries suddenly close if a new variant from Paranoia emerges, then all these award seats will be canceled.
P.S. Nothing is and will be ‘firm’ from now on until Covid is eradicated worldwide (hello SG/HK travel bubble) or whole earth population is vaccinated. Which pretty much is the same.
And if covid is conquered, who guarantees that new super-dooper virus is not coming tomorrow?
P.S. Nothing is and will be ‘firm’ from now on until Covid is eradicated worldwide (hello SG/HK travel bubble) or whole earth population is vaccinated. Which pretty much is the same.
And if covid is conquered, who guarantees that new super-dooper virus is not coming tomorrow?
Mar 6, 2021, 4:51 pm
#13
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Welcome to Flyertalk!
We joke around a lot and I am certain that wasn't directed at you personally. Just speculation.
I am dying to go back to Singapore and not under travel bubble circumstances either. I have optimism that you will be able to vacation normally by Chinese New Year 2022. Fingers crossed for us all!
We joke around a lot and I am certain that wasn't directed at you personally. Just speculation.
I am dying to go back to Singapore and not under travel bubble circumstances either. I have optimism that you will be able to vacation normally by Chinese New Year 2022. Fingers crossed for us all!
Mar 6, 2021, 4:52 pm
#14
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Mar 6, 2021, 7:49 pm
#15
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I am not optimistic that I will be in Singapore by then, due to very serious changes in local labor market and hiring foreigners, but otherwise would be happy to meet.