How does Coronavirus affect the Tourism Industry and what to expect
- Blog
- coronavirus, covid-19, hospitality, hotels, impact, industry, measures, pandemic, prevention, tourism
- 15.03.2020
There is hardly anyone in the world who is not aware of the current situation with the so called “Coronavirus”.
But how much of a negative impact exactly it has on the Global Travel Industry and to what extent has the Tourism Sector been affected by the 2020 pandemic..
1. Global Airlines could possibly lose 113$ billion in sales if the COVID-19 continues to spread with its current pace (according to CNN Business Report).
– Travel restrictions and a low demand from customers have forced major airlines to cancel flights to and from some of the most affected countries.
2. Millions of travel and tourism jobs are at risk due to the pandemic.
(image by WCYB)
– International Events and Forums are being cancelled;
– Major Sports and Music Events are not happening either;
– Cinemas and Theatres are being closed which forced many expected Movie Premieres to be postponed for later this year.
– Hotels in major tourism destinations are already experiencing low occupancy rates which forces some employees to be sent on paid or unpaid leave;
– Booking agencies’ offices are closed for indefinite period of time;
– Entire Cruise industry is in crisis.
3. What CAN we do to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and CONTRIBUTE to the overall recovery from the pandemic?
(image source: Queensland Government)
Person-to-person contact is stated to be the main way of transmission the COVID-19 Virus.
(According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC))
Therefore, doctors and experts advise everyone to follow simple yet very effective steps to avoid getting infected:
– Wash your hands FREQUENTLY – washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; If you are outside – use alcohol based hand sanitizer.
– Keep your distance – Staying away from people who are coughing and sneezing;
– Avoid crowded places – If there are still no restrictions in the country you are in – try to avoid getting in places where many people are gathering as those places are considered critical for the spread of the virus;
– Avoid touching your face – a research states that a regular person touches his face around 40 to 60 times a day without ever realizing it.
– Stay Home – Unless it is really necessary going out;
– Last but not least – STAY POSITIVE! – There is no need for panic. Simply listen to the Authorities and Experts – at the end of the day their job is to keep you safe and healthy – therefore, don’t overlook their recommendations and simply comply with the measures.
4. Experts suggest that Tourism sector will be able to recover with the help of recovery plans and actions taken by each country’s government.
(image source: Caribbean News Digital)
– Political and financial efforts are needed to be implemented for the faster recovery of the industry and its ability to bounce back.