The Travel and Tourism Industry as we know has registered unparalleled growth in the past few decades and has become one of the primary employment and income generators across the globe. But this pandemic is by far the worst crisis that has hit the industry impacting all segments - domestic, inbound and outbound; and all verticals - leisure, MICE, heritage, adventure and niche. The crisis has put the tourism business activity of the country, which is estimated at USD 28 Billion plus and related activities, to an unimaginable halt.
Once the world emerges from this crisis, the industry will undoubtedly bounce back and would be well prepared to cater to the needs of travelers and match their expectations. This pandemic has changed the contours of the globe and post this crisis domestic tourism is expected to take the lead in recovering.
- Accessibility/ Domestic before international: Once the lockdown and travel restrictions will be lifted, the strong need to refresh and a hidden desire to experience nature in its recovery would encourage people to make travel plans. Travel within the domestic boundaries would probably be allowed by governments much before international travel normalises, so travel enthusiasts would be inspired to scout for interesting destinations within the country.
- Feeling of safety: The pandemic crisis is something that people have never experienced and the aftermath would be leaving back a feeling of uncertainty in traveling across borders to other countries. People would feel safer and certain in domestic travel. Trusted domestic hospitality players which guarantee high standard comfort, safety and hygiene are expected to top the charts. This could hold true not just for India but also for other countries.
- Confidence in capabilities: India has so far created a case study in managing the effects of pandemic by implementing the world's largest lockdown. This has developed a lot of confidence in the domestic capabilities hence attracting travel enthusiasts to explore more local experiences. This confidence in capabilities is bound to have a positive impact by way of increased trust in domestic travel-tourism players.
- International travel traffic diverted to domestic destinations: In the post Covid-19 world there will be a huge opportunity for luxury tourism and hospitality players to convert international travel traffic into domestic business. Some of the favourite international destinations have faced seriously unfortunate situations in this crisis and will take a lot of time to deal with the after effects of this crisis. Till the time travellers are assured it is safe to travel to these places, they will explore unique luxury experiences within the country.
- Offbeat locations will be in demand more than ever: Offbeat travel experiences have become quite a phenomenon. Going one step further ‘the path less traveled’ will become the buzz phrase in the near future. Exploring offbeat destinations which keep travellers away from crowds and lead them towards rare immersive experiences are expected to be one of the most sought after. And our country has a lot of interesting experiences to offer in this segment for all kinds of travellers and budgets.
- World tourists flocking towards India: Once the international travel regulations normalise, India has the potential to climb the ladder of favourite destinations with world tourists. One of the key reasons for this would be the acclaim India has received across the globe for its commendable management of containing COVID from spreading and making the country a safe space for people.
Post the pandemic crisis, travelers would embrace the freedom giving an opportunity to domestic tourism to bounce back and recover quickly.
The crisis we the world has faced together would hopefully have a lasting positive effect making the industry players and the travelling community more responsible and considerate towards the environment.
Guest Author
The author is the Managing Director of Noor Mahal, Karnal.
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