The COVID pandemic has changed everything, more so, for travel. Just when nations were coming closer to one another through a travel boom, the COVID pandemic struck hard.
This resulted in nations to go further away from each other. At a time when it is hard to tell when we can expect to roam freely once again, there is little doubt about the fact that the travel industry has been hit quite hard.
The fall of hospitality sector
The hospitality sector has been massively hit by the pandemic. Due to lockdowns across the world, there has been a steep decline in occupancy in hotels. Since 2020, employees in the hospitality sector have had the hardest time. This also includes restaurants, bars, and other such establishments. Some estimates suggest that nearly half the jobs in hospitality sector were lost due to the pandemic.
Aviation sector took the hit
The aviation industry too was severely hit with layoffs seen in 2020. With lockdowns across the world, international scheduled flights still continue to be banned. The flights we have today are mostly air transport bubbles, which are agreements between two nations. Let us not forget that the aviation industry includes all ground staff, stalls, and more.
Heightened measures
The pandemic has forced us to take heightened measures in the travel sector. Everything is checked, rechecked, and if possible checked once more. Today we cannot think of travel without getting an RT PCR test, or without being fully vaccinated. Even after this, we are expected to wear masks, sanitize hands, and maintain social distance. The way we travel has completely changed.
Work from anywhere
Work from home has transformed into work from anywhere. Our wanderlust-stuck souls refuse to give in and stay at home. Hence we have seen the rise in homestays, hostels, and other such facilities. All you need for working these days is a laptop, and a good internet connection, and that can be achieved anywhere. So the world has now seen a rise in staycations that cater to your work from home needs.
Revenge Travel
We are learning new terms in this world struck by pandemic, revenge travel being a prominent one, but a dangerous one nonetheless. After long stretches of lockdown when destinations open up, we are seeing a massive surge in tourism. People hurriedly making their way to their favourite destinations in search for some quality holiday. This is what is being termed as revenge travel, which can actually lead to more infections. A complete lack of social distancing, and COVID protocols during such travels is alarming.
Safety first
Sanitizing the environment is the first priority for most businesses today. While travel is yet to fully open up, there is a bit of travelling happening right now, but only with the utmost precautions. People are more aware of safety measures, and hygiene is a huge priority. Hotels, restaurants, and airlines are working day in and out to ensure that the surrounding is safe and sound, devoid of the virus.
Rise in domestic destination
Now that international tourism is not quite possible, there has been a rise in domestic destination. People are exploring their own countries as they are not able to go abroad. This is good for domestic tourism sector, and is also a positive sign for domestic tourism in a whole. But as mentioned before, overcrowding can cause a rise in the rate of infection.
Additional rituals
Travel now has additional rituals. You need to get tested, you need to be fully vaccinated, and more. International destinations are now asking for covid passport, which proves that you are vaccinated. Moreover, each country has its own app, wherein your vaccination status would be mentioned. These things have become the norm these days, and is likely to remain so for some time to come.