The route to recovery- Tourism Industry after COVID – 19

Nomoskar! I welcome everyone to my first Blog. Hope you all are safe and coping well with the ongoing situation. The depredation caused by deadly COVID-19 has lowered the spirits in all of us. The economy has gone for a toss. The Tourism sector, known to be the catalyst of job creation, is the worst affected sector. Millions of jobs are at stake as revival seems distant. The tourism entrepreneurs are devastated with losses. It will take at least 18 months until the start of the revival process. What till then? Hold on or move on? Changes? Tourist behavior?Expectations? Trends? Policies? Negative to positive cash flow? etc.. ….. I know… A lot of questions right!

Tourism, one of the biggest driving forces of economic development in many countries, is the most affected sector today. The virus has attacked the social nature of human beings. With social distancing, the only way to combat the virus, the Government of many nations, including India have implemented strict Lock-down strategies. Travelling for leisure is the last thing on people’s mind right now. The travel industry has seen the worst nightmare in recent times.

But let me tell you, friends, for every dark night, there is a brighter day tomorrow. This is a game of patience. A little transformation and you are a winner. The government will do its part. But what about you?

These are pointers that can help you bounce back and be in the game once the revival process starts.

1. Innovations – as mother earth is on a transformational phase, transformation in the tourism sector is of utmost importance. Winning the trust of the tourists regarding health & hygiene and safety will be a task. Innovations like sanitization at regular intervals in hotels, tourist places, home-stays, restaurants, etc. , sanitization tunnel in the entrance, masks

and gloves for the guests as well as staffs, immunity increasing drinks as welcome drinks, contact- less experiences, or automation, will be the funda for attracting tourist from all over.

2. Upgrade skills – The pandemic has given each one of us enough free time to explore various courses available online. Courses like digital marketing, tourism analytics, consumer behavior, predictive analysis, etc. will help you understand different dimensions of the industry. Once the pandemic is over, the industry will look at retaining or hiring only the skilled ones. So go for it!!

3. Domestic Tourists – With travel restrictions and the fear of contagion, there will be a gradual drop in the number of inbound and outbound tourists. Attracting domestic tourists will be the only way forward.

4. North East Tourism – North East India is the least affected area in the country with some meager positive cases. Sikkim has no positive cases at all. So this is an opportunity to promote the beautiful land and use its potentials. The rich cultural heritage apart from the natural beauty is yet another point of attraction.

5. Eco and Adventure Tourism – India is blessed with an impressive natural heritage. Especially the raw natural beauty of North East India is still untouched and unexplored.

With the reduced carbon footprints during the lock-down period, the place has become

even more beautiful. Ecotourism and adventure tourism in the rural areas is what

tourists will be looking at,

as the cities in the country are the worst affected by the

pandemic. Healing and yoga retreats among nature can be the new calling. Agri-Tourism should also be able to attract tourists after the pandemic.

6. Virtual Tourism – Virtual tourism has become quite popular during this lock-down period. It is nothing but a series of pictures and videos allowing you to have a virtual tour of a place. You must have heard, ‘Out of sight, is out of mind’. Virtual tours of your place will help you make it to the bucket list of the travelers.

With this, I would like to end my blog today. Hope you’ll have a good read. Looking forward to your comments.