A substantial research carried out by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in collaboration with Oliver Wyman, a management consulting company, outlines the future of post-Covid-19 tourism and focuses on a series of valuable tips for a successful restart.
The report emphasises the importance of taking a global coordinated approach to recovery: enhancing the current seamless travel experience, embracing the integration of new technologies and enacting global protocols for health and hygiene to ultimately rebuild the confidence of travellers. Notably, it highlights the need for public and private sector to work together to recover the millions of jobs impacted, rebuild traveller confidence, and build the sector’s resilience.
The WTTC survey found that more than 9 out of 10 consumers (92%) adhere to personal recommendations on health and hygiene and that 69% of travelers cite cleanliness as a key component for peace of mind on the road. The report also highlights the greater confidence in digital tools, so much so that almost half (45%) of respondents say they are ready to switch from paper passports to a digital identity.
The attention paid to issues such as unemployment, racism, restoration of natural habitats and social, environmental and institutional sustainability is also very high. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of consumers say they like brands that pay increasing attention to sustainability.
The report then offers a series of tips to manage the recovery in the best possible way. The need for a harmonized approach to eliminate travel restrictions is brought to the fore, with preliminary risk assessments, standardized contact tests and tracking methods defined from departure. The use and extension of digital infrastructures to emerging destinations and remote areas is also important, as well as a more rapid adoption of digital identities and solutions.
Support for workers, with wage protection and subsidies, and a review of employment agreements that take into account the rapid transition to remote work are other elements deemed essential by the WTTC for an effective restart.
All enriched by incentive policies (including economic ones) for travel and the promotion of tourism through marketing and promotion activities, without forgetting to stimulate sustainability practices with incentives that encourage the implementation of specific measures in the private sector.
“This comprehensive research paves the road to recovery for the Travel & Tourism sector,” said Gloria Guevara, president & CEO, WTTC. “While there is still work to be done, this gives us insight into how we can best approach recovery and offers a vision and hope to the sector. It is crucial that we continue to learn from previous crises and come together in a coordinated way to make a real difference in reducing both the economic and human impact. The economic pain and suffering caused to millions of households around the world, who are dependent upon Travel & Tourism for their livelihoods, is evident. We strongly believe that by working as and by taking a coordinated approach, we can beat COVID-19”.
To download the report in full please click here.
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