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Tourism Might Change Drastically When We Resume Travel
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has tried to guess how global tourism might change when the COVID-19 lockdown is over and countries start to cancel their travel restrictions and let tourists cross their borders. Right now, most of us hope that we will be able to book hotels in Berlin or Prague as usual and travel the way we did before, but the “new normal” might be quite different.
At the moment, WTTC is developing a plan that would include new standards and protocols for the post-coronavirus world. The organization is thinking of a set of coordinated actions that could ensure the safety of tourists, people working in tourism, and locals. WTTC is calling industry leaders working in the global Tourism & Travel sector and governments to work together and develop new health protocols. Before the coronavirus vaccine becomes available worldwide, travel will likely be available gradually and not for everyone at once like before.
Domestic travel will be available first. When certain countries ease protective measures, they will let their citizens travel within the country borders. After that, borders will become open for citizens of the nearest neighbor countries. Only after this type of tourism proves itself to be safe, long-haul international travel might be available for us again. WTTC also thinks that younger people aged 18 – 35 will be more active travelers because this age group is less prone to suffering from COVID-19.
To develop the international protocol for the “new normal”, WTTC develops a set of coordinated actions with such global organizations as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the European Travel Commission (ETC), the Airport Council International (ACI), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), and many more. It is now clear that the transport and hospitality sectors need to elevate their cleanliness standards and offer improved hygiene for guests.
Digital check-in could protect both guests and the hotel staff. Hand sanitizer stations, contactless payments instead of cash payments, the 2-meter distance rule in halls and fitness centers – these are just some examples where the changes are inevitable at the moment. For cruise liner operators, it will be essential to keep their ships free of COVID-19 and imply such changes as frequent room cleaning and protective clothing for staff. Tourists, in their turn, must be prepared to get tested before they fly and upon arrival.
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