In the year 2020, we have only heard of COVID-19 pandemic all over the world. This virus has caused a lot of destruction in terms of life and the economy. Everything is at hold and many people have nothing to do. Even the tourism industry is suffering from this pandemic. So here is some information on how the travel industry must change post-pandemic.
Eco-Responsible Travel
An unfortunate reality of travel is that it has an inherent environmental cost especially if you’re flying. It’s estimated that aviation-related emissions have increased by 83 percent since 1990. But eco-responsible travel doesn’t begin and end with how you get from A to B. If possible it’s best to book with an eco-resort or hotel that has made waste reduction and energy efficiency a priority. We often want to get our money’s worth when traveling but that shouldn’t translate into leaving all the lights on when we leave a hotel room or using every toiletry insight.
If you’re exploring a destination known for its natural beauty or wildlife minimizing your impact on both is incredibly important. Human activity is having an unprecedented impact on the state of the natural world.
The Modernization of Transportation Technology
In order to diminish the impact of travel on the environment, there are thousands of people who have sworn off flying all together realistically. However, air travel is unlikely to disappear without some new groundbreaking alternative. Being presented with no such invention on the immediate horizon. We need to make whatever difference we can within the framework of the current industry. A good place to start is replacing outdated fleets of planes with more fuel-efficient models.
This isn’t cheap but it’s better than having to place limitations on international travel for fear of its ecological impact. The widespread adoption of biofuels is also essential. Trains and buses are already far more efficient in terms of the co2 emissions per person. There’s still room for improvement for example Flicks bus is beginning to run electric passenger buses between neighboring cities in Germany. Tens of billions of dollars are going into modernizing the railway system to reduce emissions.
A More Balanced Approach to Global Travel
Tourism is quickly becoming one of the travel industry’s most pressing issues. Yes, the sheer number of people traveling poses a problem but it’s the way in which travelers congregate that makes it unsustainable. The world tourism and travel council estimated there were almost a billion and a half trips in 2018. And that 36 percent of them were to the same 300 cities. We need to spread out and see the world, not just the well-established destinations.
In the age of social media, you’d think that greater exposure would help people identify the perfect destination for them. But the nature of social media means that we all wind up fixating on the same things in the case of travel. We all suddenly fall in love with the same cool. Previously unpopular spot Iceland, Croatia, Portugal these are just a few of the places that have exploded in popularity in recent years. The solution embracing under tourism we need to start seeking out overlooked destinations on an individual level to spread the travelers around. It’ll result in better trips for everyone involved and happier locals.
A Focus on Local Travel
When you decide to take a trip chances are that your mind almost immediately goes to far-off places and exotic destinations. Authenticity and adventure are two things that rank very highly on the list of traveler priorities nowadays. However, the allure of overseas travel often results in us overlooking options closer to home. Though a neighboring city or national park may not be quite as glamorous or romantic. Such a trip can offer just as much authenticity and adventure as traveling abroad.
In fact, if you’re visiting a place that’s not particularly popular chances are that it will be more authentic for the lack of outside influence and tourist-centric businesses. Domestic trips have the dual benefit of helping limit your carbon footprint and reduce the effects of over-tourism. Plus chances are that your money will go to better use visited local destinations than at a major tourist hotspot abroad.
Increased Personalization
How do you avoid over-tourism when there are more people traveling the globe on average than ever before. By shifting away from trendy destinations in favor of trips tailor suited to your specific interests. Social media brings trending destinations to the attention of the masses but the same technology AI learning and travel apps can equally be utilized to make travel recommendations. Based not on Google search numbers but rather your own personal tastes.
If you’re foodie travel to a place and learn about the local cuisine not just the hottest restaurants in town. For decades travel experiences were dictated by guidebooks, travel agents, and tour guides but the Internet is the great equalizer. Take a trip that’s your dream, not just on-trend.
Epidemic Preparedness
If we’ve learned anything from 2020 its how quickly an industry can be brought to a screeching halt by the pandemic. Though a global health crisis can bring the economy as a whole to its knees. Few sectors have been affected quite as dramatically or catastrophically as travel scary. Though it might be to consider another takeaway is that pandemics are inevitable in our modern world. They go hand in hand with our global population and increased international travel. The travel industry was revealed to be woefully unprepared for a pandemic.
The silver lining is that in order for the industry to survive it will be forced to put protocols and contingency plans in place. And these will need to be multi-faceted major players in the industry like airlines, hotel chains, airports, and booking services will need to have measures that protect their employees the customer and their financial stability in times of crisis increased flexibility. The ability to postpone trips indefinitely without losing the investment will likely become an essential incentive to get people booking again.
Greater Protection of Attractions & Landmarks
Our world is home to countless human-made and natural wonders. Unfortunately, the sense of odd that they inspire attracts travelers in droves. When these spaces, monuments, and sites are made to weather the unprecedented numbers of tourists driving the travel industry they suffer. As a result, this is one of the biggest concerns with over-tourism erosion both literal and cultural. Machu Picchu, Peru’s iconic mountaintop Citadel has become so popular that the country has to limit the number of daily visitors.
This is the right response and one that needs to be emulated around the world or risk having these cherished attractions be damaged or destroyed. Iceland has had to put similar limitations in place to protect popular natural spaces from excessive foot traffic. As the people of Venice know all too well. Over-tourism also negatively affects the atmosphere and local culture across the globe a balance needs to be struck.
Ensuring That Local Communities See Benefits
Tourism can be a major source of income for a nation city or region. Unfortunately, the potential benefits of tourism are limited in many communities for the very same reasons that trickle-down. Economics is widely considered to be a failed model yes a tourism boom does bolster the local economy. But especially in poor neighborhoods, the vast majority of profits are monopolized by major companies that originate outside the community. The ability of locals to capitalize on traveler interest is therefore limited to low paying positions and/or seasonal work.
Nowhere is this more apparent than with closed gate resorts. Or all-inclusive that discourage travelers from going out into the local community. As new popular destinations emerge concerted efforts need to be made to ensure that the tourism industry is a sustainable and locally focused one. That creates business opportunities for residents allowing them to shape the tourism industry and benefit directly.
