TOURISM MEANS

Tourism is the act of exploring the world or parts of it to gain a better understand of culture, history, and way of life of other people, as well as to experience natural environments different from where we live. (April, 2020)

Tourist

United States

CHALLENGES

Apart from disrupting tourism activity, it has also disrupted our research activities (i.e. we are conducing bi-annual national survey of visitor motivations, activities, satisfaction and expenditure that was launched just before the C19 lockdown), it has a bearing on our consultancy services with contracts suspended, delayed and tasks redrafted, as well as on slowing down implementation of EU projects. (May, 2020)

Researcher, academic

Croatia

CONCERNS

How will tourist workers and their families survive this? (April, 2020)

Student

Slovenia

IDEAS

A seemingly easy solution is a better distribution in destinations, places, tourism products. For example: when I was in Zakynthos, Greece, everyone one the island had the infamous »shipwreck« beach on their minds. Everyone wanted to go there (as you can see in the picture, me included). It's really something. BUT, just a few minutes away there was a stunning, picture-perfect hidden beach with white sand, exceptional views and no people. Exactly, NONE. I hope I made my point clear. I am still really happy I got to see that beach, I will never forget it. (April, 2020)

Student

Slovenia

I CAN OFFER

Social (online) support! As mentioned previously, providing social interaction through technology and media platforms greatly helps and keeps everyones mind busy while providing social interaction to ease the lockdown induced loneliness. I would also be able to provide the resource of shopping for the elderly in my community, which I have done twice this previous month, in order to allow the elderly to stay home and get safely delivered food and not have to possible expose themselves to the virus. Anything we can do to help everyone struggling to get through this time. (April, 2020)

Student

United States

I NEED

Global trends including European tourism ones

Advanced cases on sustainable tourism coping with COVID (June, 2020)

Researcher, academic

Japan

SOLUTIONS

Educate tourism workers on sustainable tourism and how to be mindful about locals and the environment. (April, 2020)

Local resident

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

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)

Tourism business representative

United Kingdom