A vaccine may be the magic bullet, but getting travellers back in the skies will require much more — including convincing people that travel is safe again.
There is a global travel and tourism fear because of the virus. It may take time before people plan to travel again. The industry needs to build back better in a sustainable way.
After SARS in 2003, an effort was made by Toronto’s tourism and hospitality industries to stimulate the sector’s recovery. But measures weren’t put in place for future pandemics.
Research reveals a desire by Pacific tourism workers for genuine change once travel starts again, including better wages and conditions and greater local control of operations.
If the tourism minister is worried about the wider social, economic and environmental impacts of visitors, he’d be better off banning cruise ships, not backpackers.
Tourism ventures in a water-stressed region like southern Africa need to balance the needs of guests and staff with the needs of surrounding communities.
Whale breaches and tail slaps look great from a distance. But they can pose a threat if you want to get up close and swim with these giants of the ocean.