Tourism in a post COVID-19 Era
COVID-19 - Coronavirus 2019
Travelling in a post COVID-19 era. We are sure that the issue will get under control and things will return to 'normal', it is only the when that is unknown
When the dust settles and international travel re-opens, we firmly believe there will be a renewed hunger to venture forth and explore and Go Safari will be here...as always...willing, able and as excited as ever, to unlock those burning travel aspirations of yours and assist you in arranging a perfect safari to Southern Africa.
Whilst we are confident that we will overcome this crisis and that we can return stronger and more resilient than before, like a coiled spring, the harder it is depressed, the stronger it bounces back. The travel industry has proven itself to be resilient, recovering valiantly from many global challenges and disasters over the past decades, showing continued growth despite adversaries faced.
There are no quick fixes and one thing is clear, our industry will be changed forever. Whilst many yearn for normality to return, normal no longer exists neither will it be enough to safeguard us or help us recover fast enough when this crisis finally abates. Nobody can predict how long the industry will remain under lock-down or to what extent we will be affected in the medium to long run.
We can get sucked into the depth of doom or we can rise to the challenge and ride out this storm. I am ready and look forward to working with my global travel family and clients to find solutions that will not only build resilience, but will shape a whole new chapter in the travel and tourism sector.
Here are issues of concern going forward before everything is back to normal.
- Infections under control: Before we will be able to travel both the region you are coming from and the region you are going to need to have the virus under control. It is not just a case of opening up these regions to travel. It needs to be approached with due caution, and incrementally at that.
- Social distancing: Until we have a vaccine, cure or have developed herd immunity, physical distancing will be very much in place. It is not going to be fun travelling, worrying about the people around you.
- Flights: Airlines are suffering, and many will not make it through the crisis. Those that make it will have financial constraints and will open routes where there is demand. There are no guarantees that they will fly to the regions that will suite our guests. In principle, travel requires you to hop on a network of airlines (international, regional, domestic), and these routes and viable connections will need to be in place for a full recovery.
- Fear: People are going to be wary of crowds and are going to avoid them until they feel safe – this is going to be a process.
- Uncertainty: If I book a holiday in six months, will it happen and will I get my money back if not?
- Managing supply and demand: Matching supply and demand are going to be complicated. As we emerge from this crisis, we will be unable to open all accommodations, activities in a region as the market will be deficient. If every facility opens, then they will all be running at low occupancies.
These are draining times for all involved in tourism. Please stay healthy; we need to look after ourselves and our team's mental health, get support from others in the industry and to stay optimistic. Always remember that the urge to travel and explore runs deep within our souls. The travel industry will return. Our focus now needs to be on survival, remaining confident, and taking on whatever needs doing to prepare our businesses for the recovery.
“Postpone your trip don’t cancel”
For more information, visit the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD). Keep yourself informed and adopt these basic protective measures from the World Health Organization.