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The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a massive toll on several industries. Some are paving their path for revival, and some are struggling to loosen up the noose. Sadly, the hospitality and tourism industries are among the worst hit ones. 

The world tourism industry is significant in numerous aspects, be it generating revenues for businesses, be it employing women and youth or be it diversifying and uniting the world. The industry holds high significance in the geo-political and economic world.

Image source: © Wachiwit | Megapixl.com

Tourism industry in 2021

The industry is experiencing an utter recession in the pandemic. Recently the World Tourism Organization released a heart wrenching report: their tourism barometer showed an 88% reduction in the number of international tourist arrivals till now in 2021. This shows the catastrophic condition of the tourism industry across the globe. In 2020 itself, thousands of people lost their employment and several agencies shut due to the unprecedented times.

Predictions were hopeful for 2021. People hoped that the industry would recover with the advent of vaccines. The economic and social loss in 2020 is understood as no one knew that a deadly virus was going to attack the world. However, the industry had one year to prepare and adapt so that recovery could take place in 2021.

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Considering the poor condition of the tourism sector, various economies are taking steps to scale up both domestic and international tourism. Some of the examples are listed down below:

  • The UK is following a list system that divides countries among green, amber, and red lists depending upon the COVID situation in respective countries.
  • Dubai is expanding its virtual tourism infrastructure.
  • COVID-passport in France.
  • Russia’s vaccination tourism plans.
  • Travel corridor between New Zealand and Australia.

However, despite these attempts, there seems to be very little recovery. The times are challenging, policies have a small real-life implementation. For instance, the travel corridor between New Zealand and Australia is now suspended due to rising cases in Australia.

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Thus, to revive the tourism industry, protection and preparedness for the pandemic is pivotal. And, for that there’s a high need for investment in advanced technology. 

  • The recent report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) showcased that the pandemic could cause a USD 1.7- USD 2.4 trillion industry loss in 2021. Thus, to safeguard the sector from extreme losses, the industry needs to strategise and innovate to make potential structural changes.
  • The need of the hour is to implement restrictions to reduce the COVID-19 spread, which is the primary barrier in the revival of the tourism industry. Additionally, more nuanced investment is needed to support the industry.
  • Optimisation of the highly innovative nanotechnology sector is foremost important to combat COVID-19 and the viruses that might hit the world in the following years.
  • Most importantly, the world needs a robust vaccination policy to protect industry workers.

Conclusively, it is essential to dissect how the world economy can invest and utlise technology to assist in pandemic protection and preparedness, and not merely for healthcare but for all the sectors. 

SOURCE: KALKINE MEDIA