The 2020 pandemic and previous years’ overtourism issues showed us both the benefits, the relevance, and the limits of the tourism, hospitality and leisure industries for society. We cannot foresee the future, but we can listen to challenges and start developing solutions.
So far we have received more than 900 responses in which these questions have been discussed::
How should we IMAGINE tourism now that we have an opportunity to reset the way we do business?
Which CHANGES would you like to see? If any?
What are your CHALLENGES and CONCERNS?
What are your IDEAS and SOLUTIONS to make it through the pandemic AND into a sustainable and innovative future of tourism?
In the name of the global tourism family, many thanks to every single one of you for the inspiring feedback. Your replies are summarized in the sections below.
Don't forget to share YOUR insights (for the first time or again, with new observations):
The 10 quotes below are updated every few minutes and elephant word-clouds are recalculated regularly based on your new survey entries. You have to refresh the page or revisit us every so often to see the changed content.
CHALLENGES
As a current employee in the hospitality industry, I have been forced to stop working due to the coronavirus. I was working to complete my field study at the Inn at Virginia Tech, which I was enjoying so much. Now due to the virus, I am no longer able to work and I am unsure whether I will be able to return to work in the future. (April, 2020)
Tourism employee
United States
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Tourism business representative
Bosnia Herzegovina
Tourist
Singapore
Tourism business representative
Slovakia
#From Instagram
TOURISM MEANS
Leisure time and learning from new places and people. (April, 2020)
Tourist
Italy
CHALLENGES
As of right now, the start date for my post-graduation career has been delayed due to the COVID-19 virus. My family and loved ones have already been impacted with their jobs and small businesses they operate. (April, 2020)
Student
United States
CONCERNS
I am worried that the complete stagnation of tourism will continue for a very long time (at least two years) and that tourism will never be at the same level as it used to be. (July, 2020)
Tourism business representative
Slovenia
IDEAS
We are considering how to mitigate the damage as much as possible. We have expanded our product range. (July, 2020)
Tourism business representative
Slovenia
I CAN OFFER
Our metodology for marketing is based on customer typologies, personas. We work a lot with models that combine the destination's resources and products with the personas that can be relevant for the destination. We also have resources regarding sustainability issues and culturally sensitivity in tourism, as we work a lot with Sami tourism. (May, 2020)
Tourism or convention office, event organizer
Norway
I NEED
According to superiors, we can afford such poor business this year, but if the crisis continues and travel continues to be impossible, and if the state does not provide additional financial assistance, we are promised layoffs. (September, 2020)
Tourism employee
Slovenia
SOLUTIONS
Let’s think sustainable, responsible, ecologically and “boutique”. Definition of boutique: authentic experiences in the countryside, connecting local providers, non-mass tourism, uniqueness, local identity, local stories, inclusion of ethno-animation. (August, 2020)
Tourism employee
Slovenia
EXPLOITATION
Assistance with tourist vouchers only to accommodation facility. Travel agencies were largely excluded because hoteliers do not confirm shared reservations. (July, 2020)
Tourism employee
Slovenia
OTHER / SPOTTED
Whilst this is major setback for tourism as we know it and many businesses will suffer as a result, I at least hope this will present an opportunity for the industry to change for the better. A more sustainable approach to tourism is needed, perhaps this will kick start it. (May, 2020)
