The pandemic’s impact on the travel industry has been unprecedented. After months of restrictions, airlines and other forms of transport are gradually getting back into operation. Hotels and resorts are open to receiving guests and restaurants are ramping up for the patrons they have missed for months. But one thing is clear- travel will never be the same. Whether you want to travel for business or pleasure, you cannot expect things to be like what they were in the pre-pandemic era. Though nothing can be said for sure, here are some predictions for the industry.
Focus on local and sustainable
Unless you need to reach the other corner of the globe for an important business meeting that you can’t have on Zoom, local and sustainable would be your priority. Holidays will be shorter and at nearby destinations, preferably camping and trekking trips where you drive in your own vehicle. You may want to stay at private rental properties rather than crowded resorts and hotels. These places are preferable because you can cook and spend time alone or with your travel partners rather than be out with a crowd.
Packing will be different
Packing for your trips will also be different in the post-pandemic era. The travel essential list would no longer be confined to comfy clothing, easy shoes, camera, chargers, and batteries. You will absolutely have to carry the safety essentials like your kn95 mask, gloves, and sanitizers as well. Moreover, it would be smart to pack some dry snacks and healthy munching options so that you can minimize eating out when you are on a holiday or even a business tour.
New standards for hotels
The hospitality industry would have to embrace a new approach to survive the aftermath of the pandemic. There will be new safety standards in place to win the confidence of the guests so that they can stay at premium properties without health concerns. You can expect to see contactless check-in and check-out procedures along with new sanitary protocols. Apart from implementing these measures, hotels would need to communicate the same to the prospective guests. Obviously, this means they would change their marketing strategies as well.
Aviation will see a massive change
The pandemic is set to bring massive shifts to the aviation industry. Airports across the world will beef up security with new types of screening. Touchless check-in and health tests such as temperature checks are already being practiced. You can expect more isolation rooms in the airports as well as in flights. Aircrafts are already following more stringent measures for cleaning and sanitation as well. Masks and other personal safety essentials will be mandated for the passengers. Upon arrival at their destinations, passengers may have to present an immunity passport or vaccination proof in the future.
Even as the pandemic seems to have crossed the peak, the danger still persists. The fear seems to be everywhere and it would be too early to say how things will shape out for travelers in the future. Still, a virus cannot put the world out of action and the industry will find a way to survive.
1 comment
Of course, travel changes, and for a long time they will be completely different. After all, you now take masks with you, two antiseptics each. Now few people want to use public transport, but mostly order a transfer Azur Limousines and a lot of other things that we could miss before