IDEAS FOR TRAVEL INDUSTRY DURING AND POST PANDEMIC

- Rachel Wolchin

With the spread of the novel coronavirus across the globe, and social distancing becoming the new norm, people everywhere are wondering what the future of travel will look like. It is obvious that the travel and tourism industry across the world has gone into a forced hiatus because of the restrictions on movement and lockdowns. Travel agencies and tour operators are trying to come up with innovative ways to get the tourism industry back to life.

Here are a few ways in which we can satisfy that very need to travel and explore the world, even in unprecedented times like these…

1. VISIT LOCAL PLACES

As governments gradually open up district and state borders, people could opt to travel to more local places. Very often people tend to visit foreign, exotic destinations and forget about the rich cultural heritage our own country has. Travelling to more local places might be an easier way to curb the spread of the virus across international borders, but it also ensures a more easier way to keep track of which places that have a higher number of cases hence managing to keep in control the places that can open up for tourism.

Personal budgets might have also tightened due to the lockdown- another factor that will encourage people to look out for more local, wallet friendly places to visit and explore. In a way, this will satiate those travel lovers who have been waiting to get out of the house and explore new places. Not only that, it will help the country in reviving the economy, with more people touring around in their home country or state, supporting local tourism and exploring lesser known places in their own cities.

2. VIRTUAL TOURS

Companies across the world are looking at technology to help keep their business on track, and there has been an enormous increase in the use of conference management and online live video streaming apps. So if companies and businesses can make the most of technology, then why not the travel and tourism industry?

Virtual tours are becoming the new norm while the whole country stays home to stay safe! With this in mind, the Indian ministry of tourism recently launched an initiative called- “APNA DESH DEKHO”, which when loosely translated means, “explore your own country”. While many museums around the world have always had a virtual tourism option, many more art and heritage sites in our country are coming up with this option. From using 360 degree panoramic views to holding online sessions, these virtual tours have got it all!

But one might wonder how effective these online tours might be? According to National geographic, (AR/VR experience developer) Sarah Hill’s first project provided VR encounters to ailing veterans unable to travel to see memorials to their service. She discovered that the technology not only provided psychological comfort, it also helped relieve physical stress. So virtual tours might be just a little more helpful and efficient than one might otherwise think.

3. PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT

All of us have been reading more and more articles about how nature has been reviving itself because of the lockdowns imposed across the world. Owing to the reduction in the number of people traveling around the place, be it in their own personal vehicles, public buses or aircrafts. The air quality has improved drastically across the country, while a variety of animals and birds have been seen a lot more; according to The Hindu.

Due to this, maybe virtual tours and local travels may be here to stay in the long run, even after the threat of the coronavirus has been eradicated completely.

No one knows what’s going to happen for sure, but I think it's safe to say that for now, if you are a travel agency or tour operator, virtual tours are the safest way to go! If you plan on digitizing travels, contact us at Mavent Tech and let us help you on your path to digitization!