Before the outbreak of the covid 19 pandemic, the world was already facing serious issues with climate change. If the world doesn't act fast then the (near) future looks very bleak.
Businesses and tourism cannot be successful in a society that fails, therefor change is inevitable, the covid-19 pandemic is a big opportunity for governments to demand more sustainability from organisations that received bailouts.
But it could also be the case that consumers will be demanding more then ever sustainable practices from companies. The killing of George Floyd maybe the debate about racism and inclusiveness more widespread and actively work on inclusive marketing and diversity will be more and more appreciated and rewarded with extra business.
Mass tourism already became an issue in several places where tourism turned into a burden for local citizens instead of a benefit. Now is a good moment to manage tourism streams better.
Travel Experiences after covid-19 pandemic
- Governments and local dmo's will prefer to switich to high value tourism vs mass tourism.
- People might first prefer small cities and communities and avoid crowded places
- Solitude and small scale leisure activities or activities based on self guidance could be products to focus on. In Korea people are allowed to do drive through activities, enjoy nature from your car. In countries that were less strict (Europe) people are allowed to visit their holiday homes again (Norway).
- Holiday homes are one of the safest ways to be on holiday. Self catering chalets or RV's where you have your own place will do well. Countries like South Africa have an excellent network of self catering chalets in their national parks.
- Self Drive Trips
- Camping and RV places with private cleaning opportunities are also very safe option for travelers
- Flight tickets are almost certain to rise - in China domestic market ticket prices surged 150%
- While first reports were that tickets prices were higher, now (CNN April 22) reports china airlines have sliced prices to sometimes 90%. Occupancy domestic wise according to CNN was 50%
- Airlines in China offer seat packages, book a whole row for yourself.
- When costs of transportation rise, round trips, that show different parts of a destination or region become relatively more expensive, high impact travel around a few place could be more popular.
- Their will be a lot of attention on how service providers keep their customers healthy.
- In Italy crowd managing measures like time slots to go the beach, obligated rental of beach chairs are discussed. Some companies are even thinking about plastic constructions.
- Short holidays over longer holidays, because of issues of financing, but also because of lack of holidays left for some, schools and work took holidays during lock down. Public servants might be the group with money and time. So public servants without kids might be the ones that can go on long holidays.
- Self guided tours through mobile phones.
- Ticket buying for restaurants, musea and other places in advance to manage crowds.
- In some countries visitors be screened for their health and or registered when they enter public places through QR codes, Apps etc.
- Touchless payment will become the norm