KUALA LUMPUR (April 18): As countries continued to reopen following high vaccination rates, senior executives at Capital A Bhd, the holding company for AirAsia Aviation Group, called on governments across Asia to further ease travel restrictions in order to revive the global economy.

In a statement on Monday (April 18), the company said Covid-19 tests required by many countries in Asia, which cost more than some of its airfares, made the overall cost of air travel burdensome for most of the ordinary travellers that it serves.

“We thank the governments in Asean which are finally reopening borders. This is a great first step to revive economic growth.

“With a high percentage of people in Asean fully vaccinated, we believe that it is time to review the onerous deterrents still stifling air travel, including the numerous testing requirements both pre-departure and on arrival, additional paperwork and costly Covid travel insurance,” said Capital A president, commercial, Colin Currie.

According to him, tourism is a major economic contributor and a lifeline for many countries in Asean and beyond.

He said that for Asean as a whole, the tourism sector accounts for 13% of the grouping’s aggregate gross domestic product (GDP), and 6% of total employment. Revival of the tourism sector is thus pivotal to supporting the livelihood of the people.