The COVID-19 pandemic has truly destroyed the tourism industry. With people locked indoors trying to save themselves from contracting the novel coronavirus.?
While some flights have started moving, they¡¯re only for people wanting to get back to their homes, and the skies are nowhere back to normal density of planes.?
However, some nations have opened up their state and territory borders, countries like Australia. And not just tourists but also tourism businesses are clueless with the next step, according to global tourism expert Professor Marianna Sigala from the University of South Australia.?
She spoke about (reported first by Phys.Org) the change in travel behaviour people will experience, stating, "There's a real tug of war going on¡ªpeople are keen to get out and about, and away from their lockdown locations, but at the same time they're guided by COVID-19 restrictions and are cautious of protecting their personal health. What this means is that a sense of safety and security will really drive tourists' choices, affecting not only how and where they travel, but also what they do on holiday.¡±
She feels that people will once again see a revival in long-drive family journeys with packed cars and in smaller groups stating, "Post lockdown, we're likely to see a revival of the driving holiday¡ªthe family road trip¡the car packed to the brim with kids and bags¡ªas well as caravans, motorhomes, and even cycling tourism may experience a new surge. People will also be travelling for shorter periods and in smaller groups, preferably with family and friends, as the proximity of loved ones creates a sense of reassurance and reduces perceived risks.¡±
With respect to places people would like to visit, prof Sigala feels people will give more emphasis to nature and outdoor places as opposed to theme parks or casinos,
¡°Nature and the outdoors are expected to dominate travel plans, with an end to group tours and experiences, including theme parks, casinos, and to some extent, even visits to capital cities. A return to travel will all be about small, safe, manageable steps."?
Something similar was also pointed out by the New York Times, while talking about the future of tourism, highlighting this survey which revealed more than half of American travelers will prefer avoiding crowded destinations when they resume travelling.This includes parks, even with social-distancing modifications.
It makes sense considering such crowded places will only scare travellers from contracting the novel coronavirus. Nature¡¯s openness will make them feel more secure.?
Sigala emphasises on the fact that businesses will have to instil trust in people to revive tourism.
She says, "Already, we've seen wineries, restaurants and museums modify and redesign experiences to accommodate social distancing and hygiene issues, and this is what will need to continue. Some savvy players have even taken to marketing limited numbers as 'exclusives' or 'private' experiences, which can be a drawcard for tourists,¡± she said.?
Even the World Travel Tourism Council has issued new guidelines to enable tourism in our new world with specific guidelines for hospitality, aviation, press conferences and exhibitions etc that speak about instilling faith and a sense of safety in people.?
Lockdown has taught us that tech is not a luxury but a necessity, and Sigala says that tourism that embraces technology will definitely stay a step ahead of the competition.?She says, "Contract-free services and experiences¡ªincluding mobile check-ins, payments and room 'keys'; self-service kiosks; in-room technologies for entertainment and e-shopping; as well as virtual visits to museums, galleries and movies¡ªwill all be in demand.¡±
We've already seen a boost in the use of technology for helping people feel safer, either while living indoors or stepping outside -- whether through contact-tracing apps, regular thermal check-ups. Even at airports, we've seen contactless boarding being used in India that will enable better hygiene and make people more confident to step out.
Sigala emphasises that COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way we think and proceed and how it is going to impact every small thing we do, going forward,?
"The root causes and new realities imposed by the pandemic have caused fundamental changes to the way we think, live, work and play, which in turn, are transforming the nature of tourism demand and supply alike. Some of these changes may be temporary, but others are here to stay and will redefine the way we practice and experience tourism for years to come," she concluded.?