Travel business in post-Covid world: Challenges and opportunities

Travel and tourism post-Covid19 has gained momentum and will continue to accelerate. The fear of the rebounding virus will always loom over our heads, but we need to learn to live with the same. We saw that closing borders or flights did nothing to control the spread or of humankind facing disaster. We, as human beings, need to learn to keep ourselves safe, follow proper hygiene protocols and wear masks, life certainly is precious. Tourism becomes an activity that builds the base for wide-scale consumption bringing far-reaching benefits. Tourism gains importance as an activity which has far-reaching positive impacts on industries, economy and society. Travel and tourism going further will see a shift, though it is the same business and same zeal. Many new opportunities will be seen and many collaborations will happen.

First, the tourism industry will enter a more technological era in the coming year. Those in the industry who do not keep up with the latest trends and technology might not be able to manage or scale up their businesses. Yes, that is correct, and I have come to such a conclusion, especially after closely observing the industry for the last two years. During Covid19, we have all become digital and adopted technology and travellers are looking at more meta searches, virtual reality, contactless interaction with a quick turnaround.

Secondly, community participation after Covid19 has substantially increased. Homestays, local restaurants and other allied service providers have entered the mainstream now. And, therefore, travel will be more culturally rich and community supported now. The best part for a country like ours is that it will create millions of employment opportunities and engage people in entrepreneurial endeavours.

Thirdly, leisure travel will convert into bleisure, whether domestic or international and will be in the spotlight. Travellers are willing to spend money and pay for services as long as the deliverables meet international standards and we can see this transformation happening. Almost every global hospitality conglomerate is expanding, whether in India or elsewhere on the planet. The traveller will connect more with off-beat, adventure and wellness destinations with exclusivity and wellness-driven products as the focus. 

I strongly believe we should strengthen bilateral relationships and develop regional tourism. India has, on its borders, countries with huge potential which we need to invest in and develop to boost tourism. Within India, we need to develop more waterways experiences, expedite cruises and incentivise MICE for corporate rebates. 

Today, travel and tourism have many links that have become the value chain of growth. Post-Covid19 some tourism products and streams have seen more footfalls. Travellers are indulging in adventure, wellness, bleisure, rural, self-drives and solo tourism is on the rise. Medical tourism along with weddings and conferences have the most potential for growth. India is a country with colourful rich heritage, vibrant culture and rich cuisine that needs to be encashed with the upcoming state-of-the-art conference and medical facilities. We need to bring in private partnerships, protection of stakeholders and consumers money, safety of travellers, ease of business and one tourism policy with one tax structure. Tourism should follow the ONE ORDER policy globally.

Lastly, as the President of TAAI and Chairperson of THSC, I feel we need to continuously focus on skilling, upskilling and multiskilling so as to deliver the best because tourism means leaving positive impressions in the minds of a traveller to talk about and return to the destination. 

AUTHOR BIO: Jyoti Mayal is President, Travel Agents Association of India