Covid-19 brought in a lot of abrupt changes in the lives of everyone, besides this the global economy seems affected adversely. When it comes to the tourism industry, it’s the one to have taken the hardest hit across the globe. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTCC) says, the Covid-19 pandemic is likely to cost the tourism industry almost USD 22 billion and a loss of almost 50 million jobs worldwide. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that tourism in India has witnessed a significant decline post Covid, in 2020.
In the wake of the emergence of the Coronavirus pandemic in early 2020, nationwide lockdowns were imposed across the globe that led the travel and tourism industry to a sudden halt. Apart from causing millions of deaths worldwide, the pandemic brought a massive refashioning in the everyday lives of humans within a very short period of its occurrence. Without any further ado, let’s take a look at how the tourism industry is looking to revive itself after the adverse impacts of Covid-19:
The effects of Covid-19 on international and domestic tourism
World touristry has been affected on several occasions with the epidemic outbreaks like MERS - Cov, Ebola virus, Swine flu, SARS - Cov -2 in the past.
However, Covid-19 has grievously affected it to a larger and longer extent. In their bid to limit its spread, many countries introduced travel bans and movement restrictions as inter-country travel restrictions were also imposed. On the other hand, similar movement bans arose in the domestic territory as tourist attractions, namely amusement parks, museums, and sports venues were shut down.
But with this, new trends emerged in the tourism sector:
Solo travel - After being confined in their own houses during the lockdown, travellers are preferring to travel solo as it is a delightful and gratifying experience that makes you feel stronger and more optimistic.
Domestic and regional trips - With numerous restrictions and hassle being involved in international travel post Covid, travellers have started exploring their local cities and hill stations.
Automation - The wave of digitization during and after Covid-period has paved the way for increased online bookings. Apart from streamlining the promotional campaigns and making them cheaper for the travel companies, digitization has notably offered more convenience to the customers.
Following the termination of the nationwide lockdown, a host of cities have uplifted the Covid-based directives and are allowing hassle free moments. Some of the infamous and secure destinations where you can land in without a negative Covid-19 report include Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Goa, and Himachal Pradesh.
Domestic & International travel post Coronavirus:
With a continued plunge in the number of active Coronavirus cases across India, travellers have started to dream again of mountains, beaches and monuments. However, to curb the spread of the new strains of the novel Coronavirus, a lot of countries and even some domestic regions are strictly requiring the arriving passengers to present a recent negative antigen or rapid test report for smooth passage.
Usually, a traveller has to present a negative Covid-19 test, taken within 72 hours of leaving or an evidence to prove that he/she has recovered from the virus within the past 90 days.
Surge in isolation holidays, not only the outbreak of Covid-19 is a threat to our health but the loneliness and mental health issues caused due the isolation period and lockdown can too leave adverse effects to our health.
In order to overcome the sufferings and loneliness faced during the isolation period, people are tempted to go for a vacation in their bid to gratify the wanderlust within and regain their self-esteem.
Agreed, Covid-19 pandemic smashed the travel industry. Consequently, it created a room of opportunities for the national economy. The desire to enjoy and take a break from the mundane life is ever existing.
Had it not been the même scenario, less people would have thought to explore the beauty of the unknown or existing places in their own country! Be it India or Abroad, this inter-state travel culture is the new normal! So yes, maybe it is time for some domestic travels and the states can enjoy their economic gains from which they are otherwise refrained!
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