Just when we thought there was some light at the end of the tunnel as governments seemed to have tamed the Covid pandemic, Putin adds to the misery.

 

Airlines and Tourist boards across Asia had been also optimistic too, but their plans will be altered, as many will not wish to travel under the current war footing.

 

The Philippines own tourism situation does not look rosy either.

 

South Korea, USA, and China were the top countries to visit the Philippines in the past, and one would expect Americans will not be encouraged to travel.

 

Some 36,111 Russians visited the Philippines in 2019, up by 20.50 percent from 29,967 Russians in 2018.

 

Not a considerable figure however compared to the 1.4 million that went to Thailand over the same period.

 

Harder to travel

 

file photo

 

Apart from the diversions to avoid Russian airspace, flights to Europe are likely to increase as the fuel prices rise.

With likely food shortages as well, it will be tougher to visit friends abroad too.

 

Airlines that are already losing money are also likely to cut back on the number of flights per week to certain countries as well, so getting a seat could be tougher.

 

Also, when governments start to discourage their citizens from travel to certain countries, assume the same is likely to happen across Asia. That may mean your travel insurance may not cover you.

 

As we know Russia is a major trading partner with the Philippines so the President will have to play a very delicate balancing act of not upsetting Putin, while being seen to support allies such as USA and Europe.

 

I think the final reason for not taking a flight overseas, is would we actually feel we have the appetite for a foreign holiday in the current situation?

 

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None of it matters, as long as the silliness to re-enter Thailand is around, I won't be flying anywhere.

(Thai pass, PCR tests, worthless COVID insurance, risk of expensive hospital stay).