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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::
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.
When In London it was only a few weeks into this pandemic. It was actually right before it became a pandemic. When we were there we were very cautious when we were in public. Especially when we were trying to leave we were concerned about going to Heathrow because it is one of the busiest airports in the world. We were also concerned about using public transportation because that is how we would get around to all of our destinations. (April, 2020)
Tourism has been my job and survival for the last 30 years. This is my way of life. (July, 2020)
Declining demand, late bookings. Before the virus, we made reservations a few months earlier, but today customers book a holiday just before departure, so it is always difficult to fulfill all customers' wishes. (July, 2020)
That people will be afraid to travel again. (May, 2020)
In one of the President's COVID-19 Press Conferences, Trump had thrown around the idea of businesses being able to fully deduct dining and food expenses. I believe this could be an interesting idea to pursue. Currently, dining and food expenses incurred by businesses can be deducted by 50% as long as they meet certain requirements (cannot be overly extravagant, etc.). If this deductible percentage was increased, it could help to jump start the recovery of the hospitality and tourism industry by incentivizing business meals and group business. A similar case can be made for travel expenses.
Of course, there are ethical implications associated with potential to abuse the system which will need to be weighed. I recommend the spending must meet the current deduction requirements or possibly impose a spending ceiling.
Resources:
https://www.thetaxadviser.com/issues/2020/jan/business-meal-expense-deduction-tcja.html
https://markjkohler.com/writing-off-dining-and-food-expenses/ (April, 2020)
Organization of private tours, where we follow all health&safety recommendations. Hotel reservation, travel recommendations, organization of "self drive" tour. (July, 2020)
Up to date news in the industry, also some news related to employment/replacement (May, 2020)
Due to the current situation the idea of vegetable crates was born in Salzburg, which are delivered home - contactless:
https://www.fraeuleinflora.at/salzburg/gemuese-abo-kiste-salzburg/
There are other initiatives in Austria, which exist due to corona:
https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000116464066/initiativen-in-der-coronakrise-anker-fuer-den-alltag (October, 2020)
Tourist vouchers should also be redeemable in travel agencies, restaurants, museums and national parks. Now some providers are earning a lot, while others are in red numbers.. (August, 2020)
Allow free travel insurance, people are afraid to book because they feel the risk to have their trip cancelled. (April, 2020)