Destination Wrap: Lithuanian volunteers mobilise, Dreamworld closes + MORE
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We’ve got a few diamonds in the rough scattered amongst this week’s Destination Wrap, so you can stay well informed and hopeful at the same time.
Solidarity flourishes in Vilnius, Lithuania in midst of global pandemic
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Lithuanian government has imposed quarantine, and people in the capital Vilnius have reacted with solidarity and speed.
In the first week of quarantine, thousands of volunteers offered their help, entrepreneurs have raised large sums for medical equipment using just online messaging, and telecommunications companies provided resources to coordinate the joint effort.
The ongoing efforts of Vilnius municipality to build a tech-savvy and focused community of citizens also proved to be crucial in the face of crisis.
Volunteers from Gedimino Legionas are forming groups and are taking up any tasks that they can, such as taking care of senior citizens by helping them with shopping for food and medicine. Seniors are informed about the need to stay at home through different communication channels: posters, flyers and even drones.
Providing help to overloaded medical staff, volunteers of Gedimino Legionas are raising funds for protective equipment or respirators or volunteering to walk dogs of doctors and nurses. Gedimino Legionas constantly refreshes the information on what needs to be done. The legion has already attracted more than 3000 volunteers and this number grows every day.
When it comes to individual entrepreneurs and businesses, one of the first responders was serial entrepreneur Vladas Lašas, who offered to organise a hackathon Hack the Crisis. Participants of the three-day event will generate innovative solutions for healthcare, emergency response, economy and other spheres of life affected by quarantine.
“I am very proud to see my city showing such unity and solidarity. I think it really shows the spirit of Vilnius,” said Remigijus Šimašius, the mayor of Vilnius.
“We are the city of personalities. But in times of crisis, we come together and support each other. That’s when we show our real force.”
Dreamworld and WhiteWater World closure
As a direct result of the global COVID-19 situation, and the federal government’s most recently announced measures regarding social distancing, including restrictions on non-essential indoor and mass gatherings, the board of Ardent Leisure has made the decision to temporarily cease operating Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, effective from today.
The company has assured the public that it has not been notified of any confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) at its properties. It will continue to monitor and follow advice from government health authorities.
Lord Howe Island announces travel restrictions
The NSW Minister for Health Mr Brad Hazzard has made an Order under the Public Health Act to restrict travel to Lord Howe Island in a move to protect the small community from the spread of COVID-19.
Under the order, access restrictions to and from Lord Howe Island, as well as quarantine requirements will affect all movements from Saturday, 21 March 2020, until further notice.
Situated some 600 kilometres off the NSW coast, Lord Howe Island’s isolated location places it in a unique position in the current pandemic.
Lord Howe Island currently does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19. The island has limited capacity to provide specialist medical care to patients with severe COVID-19 infections.
South Australian premier’s message
On Sunday, I announced that the government has declared a public health emergency in relation to the transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
This is an unprecedented and challenging situation for the tourism, travel and event sector in this state.
I want to assure you that the South Australian Government is committed to working with the sector on practical measures to reduce the impact of the inevitable disruptions that will occur in the coming weeks and months.
South Australian Tourism Commission is working to keep the tourism sector informed about key developments and assist with preparation and adjustments to manage business disruption.
A special meeting of major events and tourism leaders was held on Tuesday 17 March 2020, where the challenges for the sector and responses at a state and national level were discussed. The preservation of our vital tourism assets is critical to enable us to have a swift recovery when that time comes.
Sri Lanka stops all arrivals
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Credit: iStock/479625810
The government of Sri Lanka has decided to stop all incoming passengers to the country from all airports, including Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). There is no restriction on outgoing passengers at the moment.
The government has also requested the private sector do the same. The measures will not be applicable for essential services, health care, food and transport sectors, and banks. Further extensions will be evaluated depending on the situation.
All national parks, museums and major tourist sites will be also be closed till 29 March.
New Caledonia implements self-quarantine measures
All passengers arriving at La Tontouta International Airport will now be placed in self-quarantine (isolation at home) for 14 days, regardless of whether they’re showing any symptoms of COVID-19 or not.
Offenders will be liable for a fine of 90,000 XPF if they do not follow this directive. Checks will be put in place in conjunction with the State and the municipalities.
Passengers with symptoms (cough and fever) will be placed in isolation at a medical centre until their screening test is negative. Anyone that has come into contact or that has been in the vicinity of someone that has or may have COVID-19 will be placed in quarantine, at New Caledonia’s International Sport and Expertise Centre (CISE).
Solomon Islands introduces new COVID-19 measures
The Solomon Islands government has announced new measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective immediately, any foreign national travelling from or transiting through a country identified as ‘restricted’ immediately before or on the day they arrive in the Solomon Islands will be refused entry.
Additionally, all passengers entering the Solomons Islands via air and seaports and other points of entry who have been in or travelled through an ‘affected country’ in the 14 days prior to arrival will be required to complete a ‘health declaration card’.
They will also be subject to ‘risk assessment’ screening on arrival.
Any Solomon Island national who has travelled from or transited through the countries identified as ‘restricted’ at any time during the 14 days immediately before the day on which they arrive will be permitted to enter the country but under strict health criteria which may include an imposed 14-day quarantine.
To date, no cases of the virus have been detected in the Solomon Islands.
Norfolk Island declares state of emergency
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Credit: iStock/TrevorT
The administrator of Norfolk Island has declared a state of emergency due to it being a remote community with vulnerability to coronavirus.
This decision has been made to protect the Norfolk Island community, which currently has no known cases of COVID-19.
A travel ban is in place in relation to passenger arrivals to the island. Only residents and essential staff will be able to travel to Norfolk Island until further notice, and anyone returning to the island will need to self-isolate for 14 days once on the island.
The population on Norfolk Island is, on average, older than the population on the mainland. This, together with the island’s remote location and limited diagnostic and medical capability, makes it more vulnerable to the virus.
Anyone travelling to Norfolk Island from the mainland, whether they have travelled overseas or remained in Australia, is required to self-isolate for the specified 14-day period on their arrival to Norfolk Island.
Medical evacuation flights are exempt from travel restrictions.
Noosa Eat and Drink festival cancelled
The Tourism Noosa board has decided to cancel the Noosa Eat and Drink Festival for May 2020.
The cancellation comes after the federal government’s announcement of non-essential mass gatherings being banned across the country.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Dreamworld lithuania Lord Howe Island new caledonia noosa norfolk island Solomon island south australia sri lankaLatest News
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Journey Beyond launches first brand-led campaign during Paris Olympics
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Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
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Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
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Uniworld partners with Camilla Franks with Egyptian-inspired collection
We are in de-Nile about making puns combining Crocs and leopard prints, given this luxe partnership.
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Aussies at Paris Olympics anxious about travel risks, with incidents already recorded
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Banyan Tree Seaview Villas elevates Laguna Lang Co
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Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales
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Wendy Wu unveils new Japan travel brochure and itineraries
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UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
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Renos Rologas new general manager ANZ for FCM Travel
Two decades in the travel game! Let's hope Renos is in for the long haul at FCM.
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Untamed Escapes to offer Cultural Day Tour from Port Lincoln in partnership with Maba Idi
International visitors travel thousands of kilometres for this experience. Time to share.
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Luxe Finish Line Penthouses offer the best vantage point for the finish of the Sydney-Hobart
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In a busy world, proximity to nature is the new luxury
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Circular Quay welcomes new Korean dining experience to Sydney Place
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MSC Cruises unveils a new outdoor kid-friendly attraction on World America
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Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy
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Australian travellers abandon peer-to-peer stays and gravitate back to big hotels, survey finds
Doom scrolling Airbnb for the best-possible stay options two days out from departure was wearing us down, apparently.
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Quark Expeditions launches the Ultimate Summer in the Arctic sweepstakes for travel advisors
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‘I bet it smells weird’ – Internet divided over floating restaurant in China
I you are still feeling peckish at the end of your meal, their fish tank is full. But can you eat koi?
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‘Turn up in the Northern Territory this Spring’ campaign deals
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‘Like nothing on earth’: Saudi Arabia’s new Treyam resort set in a Star Wars-style landscape
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Raffles Hotels and Resorts is set to open in Tokyo in 2028
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‘A true honour’ – Andrew Stark wins Flight Centre Director’s Award for the second time
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Club Med debuts travel agent portal 2.0 with bonus prize for tops sales
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Envoyage announces 2024 Australian Icons and rewards event in the Maldives
We were going to edit our name into the list but we chickened out.
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HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus on eFuels
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Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
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Cairns Airport unveils display of support for FNQ youth
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InsideAsia Tours launches new incentive that doubles agent commission
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