The impact of the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus has hit tourism hard and all sectors of the segment are adapting to the “new normal”, with health protection measures for greater passenger safety.
In an analysis made by the New York Times and republished on the Travel and Tourism magazine’s website, there will be a great change in passengers’ behavior and preferences, as well as in companies’ policies for the provision of services.
For example, the option of blocking middle seats on aircraft is gradually being applied in order to make it easier for passengers to get away. However, this measure would only be temporary, due to financial issues. On the other hand, it is now inevitable that these measures will be applied in conjunction with promotions to attract new demand. In the meantime, at airports new configurations of procedures are already expected, including temperature measurement and new passenger screening schemes.
With regard to cruises, a sector that has been strongly affected by the pandemic, a more complex operational change will take place, which is already being made by the companies. One idea presented by an expert to the American newspaper would be to transform the cruises into “floating hotels”, without going to several ports. But for the moment, MSC and Costa Cruises have already guaranteed the 2020-21 season in South America, following the previous itineraries, but with protocols.
As for the hotels, there is considerable dedication in the sector to keep the guests comfortable and worry-free in this regard. As a standard, they are offering new service procedures, with new ways to check in, change breakfast and restaurant schemes through shifts, constant and more rigorous hygiene of all environments and limitation of total occupation. Another measure is being restricted to areas of common use, such as swimming pools, gyms and spa.
On the other hand, passengers should be more attentive to protocols in order to travel safely. Nearby destinations, car trips to natural and outdoor environments should be the central preference, as well as hire services that follow protocols such as those mentioned above. The order of the moment is prevention and safety, while taking advantage.
