On Monday, the World Economic Forum suspended its 2021 annual gathering in Singapore, slated for three months later, citing the difficulty to host such a huge, world event owing to COVID-19.

“Unfortunately, the sad events occurring throughout countries, an unclear travel scenario, different rates of vaccine implementation and unpredictability around emerging variations combine to make a global gathering with industry, government, and democratic society representatives from all across the world at the size that was intended,” it stated.

Following the news last year that it would be moving from its regular location in the Swiss Alps due to the pandemic situation in Europe, the World Economic Forum had already pushed back its special conference in Singapore, which was originally slated for mid-May.

The city-state has recently implemented some of the most stringent constraints since it emerged from a lockdown last year to address an increase in local COVID-19 outbreaks.

Recognizing the World Economic Forum's decision to postpone the event, Singapore's trade ministry stated on Monday that it "completely realizes the problems presented by the ongoing worldwide pandemic, especially for a big conference with a diverse range of foreign attendees."

The World Economic Forum's next annual conference will commence in the first half of 2022. Its venue and date will be selected after a review of the situation later this summer, according to a statement.

The Geneva-based organization said that the next annual conference will be organized in the first half of 2022, with the date and venue to be selected later this year.

“It was a tough choice, especially given our partners' strong desire to join together not only digitally, but in person, and participate in more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities,” said WEF executive chairman Klaus Schwab.

Sun-seeking Britons arriving in Portugal on Monday were overjoyed to be back on vacation after a four-month coronavirus travel restriction here between two nations was removed at midnight.

“It's incredible. The sensation is incredible. The sun, the people, and the beaches were all there for us. “I can't wait,” British traveler Matthew Bolden remarked as he gave a thumbs up at the arrivals checkpoint at Lisbon Airport.

Twenty-two planes from the United Kingdom were scheduled to arrive in Portugal on Monday, with the majority bound for the southern Algarve area, renowned for the beaches and golf courses but practically abandoned in recent months owing to the epidemic.

Tourism operators are hoping that the comeback of Britons, who injected about 3.2 billion euros ($3.9 billion) into Portugal's economy in 2019, will bring a much-needed surge to the industry, which accounts for 15% of the country's GDP in normal periods.

“The epidemic had a huge impact on us. It was heartbreaking to see the arrivals gate deserted. But things are looking up now. It's a refreshing change,” remarked Maria Joao, 55, owner of a little snack business in Lisbon airport.

Visitors from the UK must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test conducted 72 hours before flying to Portugal, so there's no need to be under quarantine after coming back home.

Rute Castelhano, a Portuguese doctor who has been fighting the epidemic in the UK, was fatigued but overjoyed to meet her parents at Lisbon airport after months away.

“I'm overjoyed to meet my family again,” she exclaimed through tears and hugs. “It feels fantastic to be back home.”

On Monday, tourists from European nations with less than 500 illnesses per 100,000 individuals too were permitted in for the first time.

Portugal, which implemented a rigorous four-month lockdown in January to combat a disastrous COVID-19 outbreak, has reopened restaurants and stores, although some capacity restrictions remain unchanged, and eateries should close at 10:30 p.m.

While strolling on the beach, masks should be worn. “We are already in a pandemic,” Marisa Semedo, proprietor of a riverbank coffee kiosk in Lisbon, said. “They should take it easy, shouldn’t drink excessively, and not lose control.