CUBA, the United Arab Emirates and Florida are all offering a new twist on package-deal vacations, to say the least. Customers who opt for travel agencies' "all-inclusive" formula could, as a 'bonus,' get vaccinated against covid-19, sometimes free of charge.
"Vaccine tourism." This is the term being used to designate this new type of offer that is popping up in sunshine destinations such as Cuba, Florida and Dubai. The principle? To get access to a vaccination against the coronavirus, as countries around the world distribute their lots in different fashions and with different priorities.
These somewhat unusual offers are governed, however, by clear rules: stay for at least three weeks in one of the areas concerned. For example, that's the case for Cuba, which plans to integrate this offer into the "all-inclusive" travel package as of March, with the very attractive slogan: "Beaches, Caribbean, mojitos and vaccines, all in one place."
There, four vaccines are under development, but the Caribbean island promises to be able to vaccinate all its inhabitants by the summer of 2021, notably with Soberana 02, a vaccine that could be on the market in April.
Vaccine tourism is being seriously considered in Dubai too, although those eligible for the vaccine must currently present a resident card. True to its lush image, however, the city of the United Arab Emirates has a very select offer for Britons over 65 years of age: for around 50,000 euros, wealthy tourists can relax in luxury villas, travel in a private jet and get vaccinated.
Meanwhile the US state of Florida had offered to vaccinate tourists free of charge, on the sole condition that they were over 65 years of age. To date, some 50,000 people from outside Florida are believed to have taken advantage of this offer. At the end of January, however, the southern US state revised its offer: only those staying at least three months of the year will be able to benefit from the offer.
While the idea of including the vaccine in the "all-inclusive" packages of travel agencies may seem incongruous at first, it meets a clear economic objective: to revive the tourism industry in the areas concerned.
ETX Studio
Tue Feb 16 2021
"Vaccine tourism." This is the term being used to designate this new type of offer that is popping up in sunshine destinations such as Cuba, Florida and Dubai. REUTERSpic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.