The economic impact of the pandemic was felt all over the world as countries grappled with various measures to contain the disease.
In China, efforts to deal with the pandemic were among some of the most severe, with extensive lockdowns, closed borders and a zero-Covid policy.
Perhaps nowhere was this more apparent than in Shanghai, China’s economic powerhouse, which accounts for up to 4 per cent of the country’s GDP. Sitting strategically within the Yangtze River Delta, it has the busiest container port in the world, and is a huge exporter of parts for automobiles, electronic equipment, machinery and more. The city made headlines when the Omicron variant struck in March 2022 and an ensuing 70-day strict lockdown obliterated access to the city’s seaports and airports.
The strict Covid policies caused a major decline in the country’s manufacturing capacity, logistics and human mobility that had severe effects on global supply chains and the world economy.
China’s GDP grew by just 3 per cent in 2022, its slowest pace since the mid1970s, and below expected targets of 5.5 per cent – though this was still far ahead of many others. The UK, for example, experienced a GDP decline of 21.7 per cent in the same period.
Thankfully, in December 2022, China announced it would be reopening its borders – and by January 2023, Covidzero was officially over, prompting a sigh of relief from the international community and a flood of visa applications (mine among them) in readiness for when flights resumed from the UK.
We didn’t have to wait long. On 23 April, British Airways resumed daily flights from London to Shanghai, while on 1 May, Virgin Atlantic relaunched its direct route from Heathrow to Shanghai.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2023-Ausgabe von Business Traveller UK.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2023-Ausgabe von Business Traveller UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
BACKGROUND This biophilic property opened in June 2023 and is the second Pan Pacific hotel in the city, the other being the Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel is a member of the Green Collection within the GHA Discovery loyalty programme. It is BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified for its sustainability credentials.
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand debuted in London's Shoreditch in 2006 and is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. The brand has 16 properties across Europe and North America, including two in Amsterdam - the first opened in 2015 in the city centre, followed by this property in the Eastern Docklands in August 2023.
Ruby Zoe, London
BACKGROUND Germany's Ruby Hotels launched in 2013, and operates 17 properties in locations including Amsterdam, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Zurich.
London Hilton on Park Lane
BACKGROUND The London Hilton on Park Lane opened in 1963 - the first Hilton property in the UK. To celebrate its 60th anniversary last year, the hotel embarked on an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment led by the GA Group.
Philippine Airlines A321 business class SINGAPORE-MANILA
BACKGROUND Philippine Airlines operates flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, using A321ceo aircraft, which stands for 'current engine option, indicating an older aircraft than the A321neo. My flight (PR502) was a morning departure at 1035, arriving 1425 local time in Manila.
Lima
Peru's coastal capital boasts colourful public parks, striking street art and generous plates of ceviche
The inside scoop
We chat to the president of luxury hotel and restaurant association Relais & Châteaux, which marks its 70th anniversary this month
Why business isn't better
Our 'columnist' this month explains why they believe economy class reigns supreme over business class
Here be dragons
For a city known for its densely packed streets and hectic pace of life, Hong Kong has a truly remarkable countryside
Provincial Provence
As Terre Blanche marks its 20th anniversary, we experience the resort's golfing and spa facilities as well as Michelin-starred food and blush rosé