TOURISM MEANS

An opportunity to engage. (April, 2020)

Researcher, academic

Canada

CHALLENGES

Challenges I faced had a lot to do with the closing of borders and travel restrictions. It was not possible to travel to other countries even if it feels like your own. For me there was no border between Bavaria and Austria and it didn't feel any different being in Germany. Suddenly there was a border and it was not possible to go hiking anymore where you always went. Also going to your own flat in Italy was not possible anymore. It felt like somebody locked you out of your own apartment. (September, 2020)

Student

Austria

CONCERNS

I do worry about small businesses and tour guides who are already dormant during the winter months and are waiting for the summer season to accumulate their earnings, just that this summer likely won't come. But at the macro level, tourism should return to its old path. How long it will take is difficult to predict. What I can predict, however, is that, like anything, this crisis will bring some changes. There will now be a lot of room for innovation in current work processes. (April, 2020)

Student

Slovenia

IDEAS

All my writing at the moment is exploring how we respond. This was my previous article: https://news.wtm.com/a-future-template-for-resilience-how-we-can-repurpose-tourism-and-champion-local-areas/

My next one, published later this week, looks at how we maintain solidarity during the challenging times ahead. It will also be on WTM's website. (April, 2020)

Inventor, consultant

France

I CAN OFFER

Organization of private tours, where we follow all health&safety recommendations. Hotel reservation, travel recommendations, organization of "self drive" tour. (July, 2020)

Tourism business representative

Slovenia

I NEED

Till we get an idea of what will be allowed and under what terms it is hard to know resources needed we can only speculate. Maybe it would be god to ask people if they would we willing to travel if 1) quarantine in place 2) only social distancing in place and other questions that we have but I think this is up to regulators - country to make that steps. (April, 2020)

Tourism employee

Slovenia

SOLUTIONS

6 Startups That Can Help: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/resources/impact-covid-19-travel-hospitality-industry-and-6-startups-can-help/ (May, 2020)

Student

Slovenia

EXPLOITATION

I think it is insane that you have to pay over €90 to get tested for COVID 19. There are a lot of people who cannot afford it especially when they were put on "Kurzarbeit" or lost their job. I think everyone should be able to get tested for free. (June, 2020)

Student

Austria

OTHER / SPOTTED

#Coronavirus – How is the Industry reacting?

This article presents how tourism companies react to the coronavirus. Some companies use technologies to recover from the crisis. Many countries are offering the potential travelers to visit some tourism destinations and attractions via virtual reality. For example Japan, Brasil, Malta, Berlin, Montreal, Israel, Portland, Philadelphia, #greecefromhome, #austrianhomestories etc.

https://www.thinkdigital.travel/opinion/coronavirus-how-is-the-industry-reacting/ (April, 2020)

Student

Czech Republic