• The Future of Travel and Tourism: Post COVID -19

    The Future of Travel and Tourism: Post COVID -19

    By Justin Francis —–

    Commentators, environmentalists, airline bosses and people like me who run travel companies are being asked about the ‘future of tourism’ post COVID-19.

    The problem starts right there. Views from all these people are important, but the underlying reason for many of the problems in tourism is that we rarely, if ever, ask the views of local residents.

    They ‘host us’ in places they call home, earn their incomes from tourism, and put up with the problems we cause. Theirs are the most important, and the most conveniently ignored views.

    While I’m reading of some journalists’ delight about the reduction in CO2 from flying (something we’ve been campaigning on for over a decade) and statements like ‘when the world stays home, the planet benefits,’ I’m thinking about some of my friends in Kenya.

    I’m a Director of a safari company near the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Maasai community are dependent on tourism and cattle. There is now no tourism, and the markets are closed. They cannot buy food or easily sell cattle. There is no Ocado.

    Large families live in small accommodation of just a few rooms. Social distancing is impossible. They don’t have our healthcare system, or most likely any savings at all.

    So, my first wish for the future of tourism is that the views of local residents are given equal billing to those in the industry, Government and the environmental movement.

    By all means ask me for a comment, but publish my thoughts alongside that of local residents, and pay as much, or more attention to their thoughts as mine. While we are sharing our philosophies they are wondering how to pay their rent or feed their families tonight.

    North vs. South and Big vs. Small

    Tourism destinations and business in the developed North are far better prepared to weather the storm, than small and micro businesses in developing countries. We have ‘furloughs’, grants and loans and of course better medical facilities.

    The recovery will not be equal. For a time, tourism will narrow down even further on a few trusted favourites, mostly in the North, who are able to invest quickest in health screening and guarantee good medical care in the destinations.

    Some destinations who can afford it will essentially pay tourists to come. Sicily will pay half the cost of flights, a third of your hotel bill and offer free tickets to museums.

    Rather predictably some tourism giants have thrust themselves to the front of the queue for bailouts. The cruise industry in the US were required to include their tax status, they are registered overseas to avoid tax and regulations on staff welfare, and (appalling) environmental records.

    They were denied bailouts, being told that the US Government didn’t recognise them as US companies. What goes around comes around.

    The vast majority of people who work in tourism, reputedly 1 in 12 globally, work in small or micro businesses (restaurant staff, taxi drivers, hotel room service and front desk, curio and craft sellers, guides for museums, etc) and not global corporations.

    My second wish is that those most in need of support get it, and that the developed North who rely on many less developed countries to deliver their ‘product’, provide the support needed to rebuild tourism ‘together’.

    Climate Change

    Tourism won’t be one of the industries hardest hit by the virus, it will be the industry hardest hit.

    The World Travel and Tourism Council say that 100m jobs will be lost. In Spain and Italy tourism accounts for 13% of all jobs. In some developing countries and small island states it’s much higher.

    In some of these places there cannot be a quick economic recovery without a tourism recovery. There will be a tremendous drive to rebuild the industry fast.

    In doing so, there will be temptation to sideline climate change. It would be a huge mistake, but there are perhaps reasons to be hopeful.

    Over recent decades Governments have taken a hands-off approach to regulating business, and no more so than with aviation (or indeed tourism in general, which is often regarded as a benign pastime).

    Aviation fuel is untaxed, and the global organisation charged with managing the aviation’s carbon emissions (ICAO) is funded by the aviation industry.

    During the crisis we’ve seen, with public support, Governments take a much stronger hand with business. If the same support was to exist for climate change we may hope for more regulation and taxation of aviation. We propose a Green Flying Duty that would serve to accelerate investment in renewable aviation fuels.

    So, my third wish is that Governments act like we (local residents, tourists, the industry, the environment and our shared cultural heritage) are in this together and take a stronger hand in regulating tourism for the benefit of all, people and planet.

    Nature and Biodiversity

    Tourism has a mixed reputation for conservation. Many a mangrove has been dredged up to create a perfect looking beach. Habitats have been destroyed to build hotels, roads and other tourism infrastructure.

    The meat and dairy we eat, as tourists and at home, contribute to further erosion of space for nature, and encourages intensive agriculture drenched in pesticides and herbicides.

    However we should be careful what we wish for. While we marvel at wildlife returning to Venice now that tourists have left, and it warms my heart, we pay less attention to rhinos being poached in Botswana because; tourism can no longer protect them; local people are desperate; and ecotourism has dried up. Tourism is part of the problem and part of the solution for nature conservation.

    Confidence

    It’s important to remember that the tourism industry is not built on airports, airlines and hotels. It is built on giving people enough confidence to pay in advance for a service or experience delivered at some point in the future. With that has come an unquestionable assumption that personal health will not be compromised by travelling, and a presumption that if we were to need treatment overseas, it would be relatively easy to access. Both have been shattered.

    While many tourists are rebooking for the future, or agreeing to credit notes, those who want a refund are finding it hard to get one.

    Essentially it’s become evident to customers that travel businesses use their deposits to fund their operations, and get through low seasons.

    It’s something of a Ponzi scheme, but few tour operators are refusing refunds from choice. First, they have to reclaim money paid out to hotels and airlines in advance. The problem goes all the way down the line. Secondly, by giving refunds, travel companies risk becoming illiquid and going bust, meaning that not everyone will get a refund or their future, rebooked holiday anyway.

    There are intense conversations between the industry and Governments about what to do about this. My own view is that to rebuild confidence customers’ money will have to be held in independent trust accounts, which some operators already do.

    Who will be able to afford to travel ?

    Once again, we are absolutely not in this together.

    While we focus on medical bulletins, what lurks in the background is recession, unemployment and in many cases poverty.

    The wealthier will still be able to travel, and that’s a very good thing. We desperately need the jobs and livelihoods their spending creates. However the democratisation of travel will take an uncomfortable backward step.

    It’s all very well for us to say how important it is to rediscover simple pleasures closer to home (and I support that) but it’s easier to accept if you have enjoyed a lifetime of travel, have pristine and beautiful green spaces close to home, and are well served with museums, art and sporting facilities.

    If you are younger, live in cramped conditions, have never travelled, but have always dreamt of visiting New York or Vietnam it’s a different story. I’d be fascinated to see any comparative figures on how many holidays people from BAME backgrounds take.

    My fourth wish is that we remember the huge value the democratisation of travel has brought to the quality of many people’s lives, indeed all our lives. If tourism assets are underused as the recovery begins let’s keep democratising travel.

    We made a small start on this a few years ago with our Trip for a Trip scheme, where we’ve funded day trips for over 3,500 children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    The Citizen Tourist

    Much has been written about the new community spirit fostered under the crisis, particularly about how we are all looking out for each other and the vulnerable.

    My fifth wish is that as tourists we hold onto this mindset as we travel, and reward travel companies who can demonstrate they care about local residents, culture and environments throughout their entire operations (not just through token donations to charity).

    We see extraordinary customer reviews on Responsible Travel. Many customers find a deeper connection with places and more authentic experiences as a result of tourism designed together with local communities.

    Technology

    One thing that is more certain is that there is no way back from our adoption of new technologies. I think it’s exciting to imagine I might have a video call with the local tour guide or driver, or a hotel sales person who could give me a quick tour before I book my trip. How much more certain that’s going to make my choices.

    I’ve enjoyed watching live streamed events from home, and will continue to do that in the future. However, for me technology is a poor imitation of real life, and it won’t replace my travels.

    Medical

    I’m not going to attempt to add to more expert, and daily changing, commentary on vaccines, immunity passports, airport testing or other ways to restart travel and tourism.

    A lot needs to change before confidence returns to past levels, but I believe it will. I have a yellow fever and typhoid vaccination, which I never think about. I will have a COVID one too some day.

    In Summary

    If we are to rebuild tourism better than before, and parts of the industry were well on the way to being pariahs in the eyes of both local residents and environmentalists, then I believe we must act and behave like we are ‘all in this together’.

    My sixth and final wish is that we treasure what tourism offers. When done right it’s a joyful and important industry, and one that deserves rebuilding carefully. Courtesy: Responsibletravel.com

    Image : Ocean Park area in Hong Kong / Travel Biz News

    April, 2020

    • Connecting you with the world of travel and tourism

      28th East Mediterranean Tourism and Travel Exhibition https://emittistanbul.com/en

      Asia Pool & Spa Expo , May 10 – 12, 2025 , Guangzhou , China

      An Opportunity to enter South-East Asian market in 2023

      KAZAKHSTAN International Exhibition “Tourism & Travel” Almaty, Kazakhstan

      CHINA- Beyond your imagination

      Africa and Americas Unite

      at Landmark Summit to Plan

      Shared Tourism Future

      Tourism leaders from both Africa and the Americas have jointly committed to working together to make the sector a pillar of collective sustainable and inclusive development across both continents.

      The “Punta Cana Declaration” was adopted at the conclusion of the very first joint meeting of UN Tourism’s Regional Commissions for Africa and the Americas and followed two days of shared dialogue around the key themes of education and investments into the sector. Recognizing the historic ties between the two regions, as well their unique and complementary cultures, the Summit served as a landmark platform for strengthened cooperation, capitalizing on innovation, education, investments and creative industries for the future development of tourism.

      This summit offers a unique platform to forge connections and build bridges between Africa and the Americas, create strategic cross-regional partnerships, foster South-South cooperation projects, all for the benefit of the tourism sector of the two regions

      Welcoming around 200 high-level participants among them 14 Ministers, representing 27 countries (15 from the Americas and 12 from Africa), UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “This summit offers a unique platform to forge connections and build bridges between Africa and the Americas, create strategic cross-regional partnerships, foster South-South cooperation projects, all for the benefit of the tourism sector of the two regions.”  – 3 Oct 2024 ( UN Tourism )

      UNWTO becomes “UN Tourism” 

      The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) enters a new era  with a new name and brand: UN Tourism. With this new brand, the Organization reaffirms its status as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism and the global leader of tourism for development, driving social and economic change to ensure that “people and planet” are always center stage.

      UN Tourism: Transforming tourism for a better worldTo achieve this goal, UN Tourism engaged the services of Interbrand, the leading global branding agency. Interbrand successfully translated the Organization’s renewed vision for tourism into a new visual identity and brand narrative.

      This involved renaming the Organization, transitioning from UNWTO to UN Tourism. At the same time, a new brand narrative was meticulously crafted, one that seamlessly aligns with UN Tourism’s central mission and priorities. This narrative pivots around three main messages: the UN as a global altruistic organization, the notion of connecting humans around the world, and the concept of proactivity and movement.

      Enhancing the well-being of individuals, safeguarding the natural environment, stimulating economic advancement, and fostering international harmony are key goals that are the fundamental essence of UN Tourism

      By moving away from acronyms, UN Tourism adopts a more approachable stance and capitalizes on its strengths: the “UN”, signifying authority, and tourism, a simple and relatable concept for all. This change has been endorsed by the Organization’s membership, highlighting its united support for the profound transformation and reinvention of UN Tourism in recent years, as it has become more agile, visible, and ever closer to its Member States, partners and the sector as a whole.

      With 160 Member States and hundreds of private sector affiliates, UN Tourism has its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, and Regional Offices in Nara (Japan) covering Asia & Pacific, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for the Middle East, as well as forthcoming Regional Offices for the Americas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Africa (Morocco). Its priorities center on promoting tourism for sustainable development in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Global Goals. UN Tourism promotes quality education, supports decent jobs in the sector, identifies talent and drives innovation and accelerates tourism climate action and sustainability . – UN Tourism Jan. 2024

      TAT launches

      “Thais Always Care” Campaign 

      “The Tourism Authority of Thailand launches ‘Thais Always Care’ campaign in collaboration with other organizations to ensure tourists’ safety and enhance positive image.”

      The “Thais Always Care” online communication campaign was officially launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with the Tourist Police Bureau, Grab Taxi (Thailand), and Central Pattana (CPN) to ensure the safety and welcome of tourists from around the world. The campaign aims to provide seamless travel experiences for visitors to Thailand while also reinforcing the positive image of the country as a safe destination.

      The campaign reflects Thailand’s renowned hospitality and warmth to visitors, showcasing the country as a desirable destination for tourists. “CARE” stands for Compassion, Assistant, Relief, and Elevate, encompassing the generosity of the Thai people and their commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable travel experience for tourists.

      Partners involved in the campaign have strengthened their safety measures and are utilizing technology to ensure the safety of tourists in Thailand. This includes installing CCTV cameras, implementing strict security checks at department stores, and utilizing technology like the “POLICE I LERT U” application to offer emergency assistance to international visitors. The campaign will also involve working with international KOLs to enhance the positive image of Thailand’s tourism assets and reinforce the country’s reputation as a safe destination. -Tourism Authority of Thailand

      China’s resort island receives

      90 m tourists in 2023

      More than 90 million domestic and overseas tourists visited south China’s tropical island province of Hainan in 2023, up 49.9 percent year on year, local authorities said .

      Hainan’s total tourism revenue surged 71.9 percent year on year to about 181.3 billion yuan (about 25.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, according to the provincial department of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports.

      Last year, Hainan experienced rapid development in cruise tourism. Cruises to the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea saw 400 trips, up 277.8 percent year on year, and received 149,400 domestic tourists, up 405.33 percent.

      This year, Hainan aims to receive 99 million tourists and its tourism revenue is expected to reach 207 billion yuan. The province aims to receive more than 1 million inbound tourists in 2024.

      China aims to build Hainan into an international tourism and consumption center by 2025 and a globally influential tourism and consumption destination by 2035. – Xinhua

      Vietnam  to welcome 17-18

      million tourists  this year

      Việt Nam’s tourism industry has set a target to welcome 17-18 million foreign visitors in 2024, approaching the pre-pandemic record in 2019 when COVID-19 had yet to disrupt global travel.

      In 2023, the figure hit 12.6 million, surpassing the initial target set earlier in the year (before China, which accounted for a third of foreign arrivals to Việt Nam pre-pandemic, announced reopening plans) by 57 per cent and achieving the adjusted goal of 12-13 million.

      The number of domestic travellers, meanwhile, stood at 108 million, up 6 per cent compared to the set target. Tourism activities generated about VNĐ678 trillion (US$27.85 billion) in revenue, 4.3 per cent higher than the yearly plan.

      Despite substantial recovery in 2023, the Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) said the domestic tourism recovery will still face challenges in the year ahead. This is particularly true in the context of the unpredictable global developments stemming from economic uncertainties, regional conflicts and climate change.

      Việt Nam’s socio-economic conditions remain stable; the economy continues to grow and inflation has been kept in check. But the persistent threat of disease and natural disasters are likely to create uncertainty affecting production, business activities and the daily lives of citizens.

      According to forecasts from the UN World Tourism Organisation and the World Travel and Tourism Council, international travel activities may fully recover by the end of 2024, reaching the levels achieved in 2019. However, the recovery is expected to be uneven across different regions.

      The ever-changing demands of international tourists require higher standards in product quality, diversity and unique experiences. The trends of integrating information technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation are envisioned to drive the emergence of new forms of tourism.

      Based on these analyses and projections, Việt Nam aims to serve 17-18 million foreign and 110 million domestic visitors this year, with an expected total revenue from tourism nearing VNĐ840 trillion.

      To achieve the stated objectives, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Văn Hùng has instructed the VNAT to continue focusing on advising and improving the institutional framework, policies, reviewing identified deficiencies for adjustment, and international commitments in the field of tourism. Collaboration with other ministries and sectors is emphasised to formulate policies for developing various types of products such as agricultural tourism and digital transformation in tourism. He also noted the need for attention on strengthening tourism statistics and digital transformation to enhance the effectiveness of data collection, providing reliable figures to efficiently support tourism policy planning.

      The ministry also calls for enhanced training for tourism officials and workers to meet requirements of new situations, especially in terms of language proficiency and technology expertise. — VNS

      Global Medical Tourism market 

      USD 136.93 billion in 10 years

      Newark, Jan. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 20.07 billion in 2022 global Medical Tourism market will reach USD 136.93 billion by 2032. There is a growing trend towards health and wellness tourism, with individuals seeking medical treatments, preventive care, wellness programs, and holistic health experiences. Medical tourism destinations can capitalize on this trend by offering comprehensive health and wellness packages.

      Furthermore, integrating digital health technologies, including telemedicine, virtual consultations, and electronic health records, can enhance the accessibility and coordination of medical tourism services. Digital platforms can streamline pre-travel consultations, post-treatment follow-ups, and information exchange between healthcare providers and patients. Introducing new and advanced medical treatments, therapies, and procedures can attract medical tourists seeking cutting-edge healthcare solutions. Countries and healthcare providers that stay at the forefront of medical innovation can position themselves as leaders in the industry.

      In addition, customized and personalized medical tourism packages catering to individual patient’s unique needs and preferences present an opportunity for service providers. Tailoring experiences that include cultural activities, recovery retreats, and concierge services can set providers apart in a competitive market.

      Besides, wellness tourism, including genetic testing and personalized health assessments, is gaining traction. Medical tourism destinations can offer specialized wellness packages, including genetic evaluations and preventive health screenings, to attract individuals interested in proactive healthcare.

      FACTS —

      Tourism helps in:

      👉Reducing poverty

      👉Reducing Inequalities

      👉Promoting gender equality

      👉Fostering decent work and economic growth

      World Tourism Day 2021: ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’

      In 2019, Travel & Tourism’s direct, indirect and induced impact accounted for:
      -US$8.9 trillion contribution to the world’s GDP
      -10.3% of global GDP
      -330 million jobs, 1 in 10 jobs around the world
      -US$1.7 trillion visitor exports (6.8% of total exports,
      28.3% of global services exports)
      -US$948 billion capital investment (4.3% of total
      investment)