Singapore reopening: China can move the needle, but its zero-Covid stance is a hurdle

THE government's move to reopen borders with Germany and Brunei is commendable, but the news - greeted with great joy by those in Singapore and the two countries with family and social travel needs - was met with only muted enthusiasm by travel and tourism players.

The Vaccinated Travel Lane announced last week, which takes effect on Sept 8, is a measured and careful approach to reopening our borders. Importantly, it will also provide the experience for Singapore to learn and enhance its processes before widening the doors to more travellers.

Understandably, the reopening of our borders is a top priority for the government. The Covid-19 pandemic had slashed Changi Airport's bustling traffic to a disastrous 3 per cent of its pre-pandemic volume of over 60 million visitors a year. And the dismal situation continues more than a year since the pandemic broke.