The electronic quarantine tag recently introduced in Singapore has the potential to rattle the number of international departures from the country, which reached 16.8 million in 2019, as it is yet another aspect that will elevate consumer angst and postpone recovery for neighboring Asian destinations, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Johanna Bonhill-Smith, Travel & Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The introduction of quarantine tracking tags may prove just another barrier for travellers and further discourage future travel plans. Numerous destinations across Asia such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand rely on inbound travel from Singaporeansfor a combination of both leisure and business travel, but the large fines and potential imprisonment if quarantine rules are broken may urge travelers to opt for a local break this year.

Singapore’s 2019 domestic trips stood at 176,000, and this number may rise as GlobalData’s latest survey reflects that 41% of global travelers plan to reduce their international travel plans. The introduction of stringent quarantine measures has potential to urge travelers to re-consider whether a trip is worth the further isolation after months of lockdown restrictions affecting the freedom of movement.

Johanna Bonhill-Smith continues: “Quarantine measures are now more or less accepted as part of the ‘new normal’ that the global traveler has to accept. Governments are facing dilemma after dilemma while battling through this warlike period with COVID-19. As the situation continues to fluctuate and the prospect of a second wave is possible in the coming weeks, it will not be surprising if more destinations implement stricter quarantine measures. Electronic tracking devices may be the next tool to roll out in more destinations posing as this necessary evil to ensure quarantine rules are abided by.”