Why is it that the politicians and the tourism industry cannot allow consumers to travel during Covid periods?
Over the last few months, I have seen many bizarre regulations.
Although I was frustrated by some restrictions, it is possible to allow people to travel safely if the overall infection rate remains low.
There are ways to reduce the risk.
It’s easy to sell tickets online, even paperless, for attractions and other activities. This reduces the number of visitors per day. You can also enforce social distancing rules by limiting entry at specific times or providing additional time slots.
If a Zoo in Cologne can do it, then other Zoos should be able to. It is a great idea to have a Zoo in Cologne that can do this.
There shouldn’t be any pictures of visitors lining up in long lines online. You would be permitted only to turn up when you’re allowed to distance yourself from the attraction socially.
However, I believe it is important to enforce restrictions as long as they are reasonable. Action should be taken if the local health system is in crisis and the a high number of new infections.
As long as the number of infections remains high, it is difficult to recommend that consumers travel.
What if the infection rate is low and high-risk individuals have been vaccinated yet?
We need to find solutions because we cannot let the tourism industry fail. Local economies and job security depend on it.
It’s possible that some consumers missed out on holiday in 2020, and they are eager to go again. This is evident in increased website traffic and advanced booking numbers.
It seems like it is all about testing, and many times.
Airports and airlines can also work with the government or health boards to quickly test for the virus to reduce the risk of spreading it.
These tests may not give the most reliable results, but they can help you to be more secure. Another piece of assurance.
Tourists shouldn’t be locked up in hotel rooms for 14 days after their arrival. Tourists wouldn’t be interested in doing this. This doesn’t sound like the ideal holiday scenario, and I wouldn’t consider it.
Instead, allow guests to access the entire resort or a specific part until negative PCR results.
Hotel arrivals may be scheduled on certain days to allow staff to clean up after guests and avoid mixing them with new guests.
The hotel could choose the arrival day. To limit visitor numbers, limited packages could be offered. They could also include a minimum stay of several nights.
Many tourists spend their vacation time relaxing at the beach or the pool.
I believe many people would still be interested in travelling abroad if they knew all the details.
Guests could take 3-4 tests.
One PCR test is required before arrival. Usually, this takes place 48 hours before departure.
One quick test at the airport
One PCR test upon arrival
– One PCR test within 4-5 days of being permitted to leave the resort
The risk of Covid-19 spreading further is reduced if all tests are negative.
It can spread. However, there is a slight chance.
We should not forget to wash our hands and use a mask on our faces.
In this situation, visitors could leave the hotel to explore the destination. This would take place after several days. You can also set restrictions that should already be in place.
It is possible to do it in places like Sri Lanka, Barbados, and Seychelles.
Although it might be easier to manage arrivals on islands, I don’t see why this shouldn’t be possible for other destinations.
Everyone must follow the rules.
Both visitors and businesses must play!
If someone violates the rules or refuses to follow the instructions, they should be punished, putting the entire operation in danger.
Customers should sign waivers to be aware of the risks. Send them home if they violate the rules. They will not be allowed to return and may also be fined.
If the hotel, airline, or tour operator does not comply, they can close the operation and impose a fine.
No one is forcing anyone to travel or open a business. If destinations and their politicians make it possible for people to travel again, everyone should be open to this opportunity and work together to create a safe environment.
Many countries are administering vaccines as we speak. We will have to continue dealing with Sars-CoV-2, especially when it comes to international travel.
Communication is the key!
We received a lot of positive feedback from travellers when we ran the campaign to restart tourism in Spain with the UNWTO, Lanzarote and Lanzarote.
Information was in high demand. If you’re interested in the case study, please get in touch with us.
Travellers were interested in learning more about the restrictions and whether they are safe to travel.
Do not show a post-Covid scenario; it isn’t yet in operation.
Demonstrate that you can travel safely and enjoy yourself, despite additional restrictions and rules.
Learn from the past, learn from it and make changes. Let’s be sensible, respectful, and above all, safe.
Let’s be realistic.
