As vaccination drives are being stepped up, Southeast Asian nations are gradually loosening anti-pandemic measures, including resuming tourism activities.

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Photo: Xinhua)

Speaking to the press on September 21, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Nancy Shukri said Genting Highlands, Pulau Tioman and Melaka will join the travel bubble list and reopen to tourists from October 1. Other destinations are also lining up for the list.

Earlier on September 16, Langkawi became the first destination to welcome back visitors after a long time of lockdown.

Meanwhile, Singapore and the Philippines also adjusted policies to revive domestic tourism.

Indonesia also considered reopening Bali island and other destinations from October, focusing on arrivals from the Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore and New Zealand first. When 70 percent of its population receive the first shots, the country will welcome foreign visitors again.

Thailand, for its part, announced a plan to serve foreign tourists to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and tourist areas in Pattaya, Cha-Am and Hua Hin from October 1.

Source: VNA