The New Normal - yes, that’s what 2020 is pretty much about. The coronavirus has changed all our lives forever. It has changed the way we work, travel, and live. There’s no doubt that the travel industry has been hit severely and it is difficult to predict how and when the industry will recover. The industry will recover in stages and will most certainly vary from region to region. While many countries have been hit by the virus, there are a few which are all set to adopt a new normal. So, have you ever wondered what the ‘New Normal’ would look like?
International Travel
For starters, domestic travel is set to recover sooner than international travel. International travel will likely need more than just a passport. Many countries are sceptical about opening their borders for international passengers, especially from hotspot countries. The passport will not be the only document necessary in the post-pandemic world. Many countries have either begun testing at the borders or have made it mandatory to provide a certificate of immunity. You also might need to state the purpose of your travel. Even if many countries are adopting the new normal, international travelling is now only being allowed for certain economic activities.
Redefined Travelling Seasons
Many healthcare experts have believed that the virus is here to stay and even the vaccines might not help us in getting back to the pre-pandemic world. The lockdown measures will fluctuate depending upon the severity of the situation. Therefore, the existing travelling seasons are gone. The governments will impose lockdown measures in a regular interval to keep demands in the healthcare system at a manageable level. This means that your travel plans might not last for weeks but days. So even if you dare to go out and travel, Travelling won’t be the same anymore. Your budget is likely to increase as the prices are set to rise. For example, there will be limited aeroplane seats, and the prices are likely to increase as they provide you with the necessary equipment.
A New Packing Style
The way you pack has changed forever. Now instead of your essential sunscreen and glasses, sanitizers and masks are likely to be used more often. Moreover, you might prefer to get yourself packed foods rather than eating at any roadside dhabas. Most importantly, we will now be very sceptical about savouring delicious cuisine. The same goes for packed water bottles. People might now also carry more than 100ml water, especially on long haul flights and wherever they go.
Hospitality Industry has Changed Forever
Remember those days when you used to check out some luxurious hotels? Unfortunately, those days are gone now. Considering the case of India, many hotels have now turned into hospitals. Even after we return to the new normal, it is predictable that the hotel booking demands will take a long time to match the pre-pandemic level. Spas, swimming pools, and night clubs will now take forever to open. The hospitality industry has been hit severely and it might take 2-3 years for it to recover.
Dynamics of Tourist Places will Change
If you recall, we used to classify places in terms of the number of tourists. Well, that classification is now gone. Most people will prefer now to prefer lesser-known places over the famous ones. If people ever choose to travel after months of lockdown, they are more likely to prefer a lesser-known place rather than taking a flight to their favourite travel destination. This is a positive change in the sense that now people will get to discover many unchartered places on Earth. By the time the travel industry recovers fully, we will have a redefined tourism map that won’t be just about places like Taj Mahal, Manali, Leh and Ladakh but also about places that no one ever discovered before. New tourist spots would bring new jobs that never existed in the pre-pandemic world.
COVID-19 has changed the travel industry for the worse but also the better. Unfortunately, it will take years for the industry to recover. However, as it recovers back, new travel trends will be unleashed, new marketing ideas will pop up and digitalisation is said to make a mark in the industry at a much faster rate. Even while facing so many adversities in the post-pandemic world, there’s no limit to human’s ability to ideate. Humans will find new ways to recover and adapt to the new normal. There will come a time when we will not be fearless but will happily go out with our friends, travel to new places and live passionately. It’s just a matter of time. Till then, just hold on!
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