The pandemic had a huge impact on the travel industry. Fewer people are traveling, and many countries are losing out on tourist revenue. Marc Zboch hopes that this post will help you understand how Covid-19 affected the overseas travel industry and helps you take advantage of some rare opportunities. You can cut your vacation cost by 40% or more, see amazing sites with no crowds and help foreigners in emerging countries who have been financially decimated.
Why is travel down?
The number of people traveling abroad is down significantly due to fear of contracting Covid-19 from an international flight or country.
This trend has especially hit countries like Thailand, Egypt, and Turkey, where tourism is responsible for 20% or more of their economies. Post-pandemic efforts should provide some relief since it reduces transmission rates at airports. In addition, there may need to be new ways for travelers with restricted mobility and reduced mobility to navigate airports.
Developing countries have been affected.
Some developing countries that do not have the infrastructure for disaster relief may also need assistance rebuilding their tourist economy and airport infrastructures. There needs to be a balance between investing heavily into tourism when it is still recovering from Covid-19 or waiting until the pandemic has become completely safe again.
Restrictions
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends implementing measures like restricting access to sick people on airplanes not to spread disease overseas and making sure travelers are vaccinated before departure if possible. It's important to note that these precautions will only protect tourists while abroad; there must also be an effort made at home (in the traveler's country) by government officials who can work with airlines to reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19. With continued efforts, hopefully, tourism will recover soon.
Post-Pandemic Efforts
The post-pandemic period is a time when countries should be investing in tourism heavily. This will support governments and economies that have been affected by Covid-19, like Thailand or developing nations. The WHO has also recommended strategies to make sure air travel does not become one way for people to contract Covid-19 from another country's tourist industry - these include restricting access of sick people on airplanes and making sure travelers are vaccinated before departure. With continued efforts, hopefully, tourism will recover soon.
Traveling Post-Pandemic
Marc Zboch agrees that with the risk of contracting Covid-19 vastly reduced, there will be increased tourism. This should provide relief to countries that rely heavily on it for their economy and may need new ways for travelers with restricted mobility or limited mobility to navigate airports.
What can you do?
Even though the pandemic had a huge impact on the overseas industry, there are still ways to continue operating safely until they return to pre-Covid levels.
Travel Safely
Travel to countries that have opened back up to tourists. These countries include Egypt, Thailand, Italy, Greece, and others. Be sure to get tested before you travel overseas, and then you will likely need to be tested before traveling to your next country. Covid testing is generally cheaper overseas and can often be done in airports before flying. As of writing this, you will need a test to get back into the United States.
Infection Control Measures
Act like an absolute "Germaphobe." Don't eat anything uncooked, like salads or juices. Drink from bottles with a straw. Re-clean your silverware and go nuts with the wet wipes. Many developing countries do not have high vaccination rates, but they have a higher natural immunity in hospitality workers and the younger population.
They tend to be more Covid cautious than the Western countries because they don't have the hospital capacity.
Follow All Protocols
Be sure to research what each country requires before you plan to travel. Nearly all countries have different rules for what is allowed in the airport, including liquids or other items. Find out before you travel to make sure you are prepared and not get turned away at security!
Get Vaccinated
If possible, it's best to be vaccinated before departing on your trip - this may also need to be repeated when returning home if there were any complications with vaccinations while traveling. Countries like Italy recommend a booster shot after six months from the original date of vaccination. This prevents people who became sick overseas but missed their appointment to administer the vaccine against Covid-19 from bringing back disease to their country upon return.
Security Measures
There should also be new ways designed into airports so travelers with restricted mobility can navigate more easily. Create a better flow for international arrivals and departures and ensure the airport is clean of any possible contaminants such as trash, food, or liquids.
Be an International Tourist Again
Marc Zboch says it's important to be aware that tourists can contract Covid-19 overseas. But, if precautions are taken like getting tested before and after the trip - or being vaccinated - you can reduce your risk of contracting this deadly virus. It is also crucial that governments invest in tourism post-pandemic so countries with heavy reliance on tourism industries will have a chance at recovering from any economic losses they may incur during this period.
