The experience will most likely feel and look different once global reopening starts. However, most people are eagerly waiting to enjoy positive travel impacts. The impacts of the coronavirus and its spread on the travel industry have been unprecedented. Some airlines have been flying. However, many carriers have shut down.
Some hotels have been forced to lay off their staff. Ships have also been stuck for weeks at the sea. Sailings by several cruise lines have been axed. Travelers have canceled their trips and asked for refunds. Others are trying to salvage their travel plans. Essentially, the travel industry has faced change, panic, and disruption like never before. Moving forward, the travel industry will change in different ways. Here are some of the changes expected in the travel industry after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Will Be Key for Travelers
The focus of most travelers will be on their health. This pandemic will compel consumers to consider their health concerns when making travel choices. For instance, travelers will be keen to choose travel destinations that have put the necessary measures in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Essentially, travelers will pay attention to how their travel plans will most likely affect their health conditions. Nobody will want to travel and bring the virus home.
Air Travel Will Resume Slowly
Air travel will most likely restart domestically and slowly as people try to observe social distancing guidelines. Most airlines will start flying domestically, regionally, and then globally. In most cases, airlines will prefer flying to important cities and hubs with the best public health.
Travelers Will Have Many Deals to Choose From
As airlines and hotels struggle to rebound, they will be offering travelers amazing deals. These will be aimed to attract customers. As such, brave travelers stand to gain big if they scout for travel deals when booking flights and accommodation.
Cruise Lines will Struggle to Clean Up the Ruined Image
The cruise industry has always faced challenges before. This is where hurricanes, wars, recession, and disasters happen. However, this industry has ways of bouncing back. As such, cruise lines will recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic though it will take time.
Also, travel agents will come back after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this might take time because most travelers are opting to book travels online after research. What’s more, travelers will value their advisors for guidance and connections beyond product and destination expertise. They will need people that can guide them to choose and travel to destinations that have measures to ensure their health.