Monthly Archives: January 2021

Travel, Travel news

Exotic Seychelles opens to tourists with with vaccination

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Pictures courtesy of www.seychelles.travel/en

With the first glimmers of hope starting to get brighter as the UK’s mass vaccination Covid-19 gathers pace, thoughts are once again turning to holidays abroad, writes Bill McCarthy.

The Seychelles has updated its entry requirements to allow vaccinated visitors “from any part of the world”.

To be recognised as ‘vaccinated’, travellers must be able to show that they have received a second dose of an approved Covid-19 vaccine.

It is great news for those wishing to visit the exotic destination in the Indian Ocean, 300 miles off the coast of Africa, but travellers should check about getting a negative PCR test before their return to the UK.

The new measures have been announced following the start of a national immunisation drive – with the country aiming to became the first in the world to vaccinate more than 70 per cent of its population over the age of 18.

To be recognised as “vaccinated”, visitors must be able to show that they have received a second dose of an approved Covid-19 vaccine, the Seychelles Tourist Office explained in a statement.

Visitors must submit an authentic certificate from their national health authority as proof of vaccination alongside a negative Covid-19 PCR certificate, obtained less than 72 hours prior to travel.

All non-vaccinated visitors currently permitted entry into the country must show a negative PCR test obtained less than 72 hours prior to travel. 

For information, visit https://www.seychelles.travel/en/

Motoring news

Drivers aspiring to go electric

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Photo by Rathaphon Nanthapreecha on Pexels.com

Two thirds want EV ownership, while most EV journeys will be catered for by a single charge

A recent survey of nearly 2,000 drivers has revealed some intriguing insights into consumers’ views on electric cars.

Sixty per cent of drivers admitted to considering an EV for their next car citing environmental benefits, being able to charge at home and being taxed less on their salary as the top three main reasons, according to the report commissioned by car benefits provider Tusker,

Looking into driving habits 79 per cent of survey respondents admitted to driving less than 150 miles a week. That means models like the Tesla Model 3 (263 miles), the Audi e-Tron (220 miles) and even the new Vauxhall Corsa-e (200 miles) will cater for a week of driver journeys on a single charge.

The survey also reinforced how quickly drivers are being educated about EVs. Of those drivers who said they would consider an electric vehicle (1,107) 36 per cent said they were confident in naming up to three or more charging locations they would use in their local area.

Seventy five per cent of people were also aware of EVs being in their budget, while 25 per cent felt EVs were just for the wealthy. When looking at the numbers this minority view is quickly dispelled with a £42k Tesla Model 3 available on Tusker’s salary sacrifice scheme from as little as £399 per month, and the £26k Corse-e from just £249 per month, both inclusive of maintenance and insurance on a four-year agreement.

“Our Car Benefit Scheme aims to put the majority of EVs in the reach of everyday drivers by using some of a driver’s salary before it’s taxed in exchange for the use of a brand-new car,” said Paul Gilshan, Tusker’s CEO.

Tusker runs a fleet of almost 20,000 cars, which is being transformed by the green revolution with EVs accounting for 50 per cent of orders in 2020. In turn, its fleet has gone from three per cent EV to 20 per cent in just 12 months, which means Tusker is outperforming the overall industry.

“This year’s research shows that drivers better understand how electric cars can fit into their life even down to the location of their charging points.”

“Salary sacrifice works on the same principle as Cycle to Work and Childcare Vouchers and provides drivers with a hassle-free new car, inclusive of maintenance and insurance,” he added.

The survey found:

  • 63% of drivers are considering an EV for their next car
  • 79% of drivers travel less than 150 miles per week which means a single charge will cater for their weekly journeys
  • EVs account for 50% of Tusker’s new car orders in 2020
  • 36% of drivers can name three or more local EV charging stations
  • Salary sacrifice schemes put all EVs into easy reach of drivers (from £249 a month for the new Vauxhall Corsa-e on a four-year contract inclusive of maintenance and insurance)