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
Currently out of employment due to working as an events intern at a country club. All of the events have been cancelled until further notice and the restaurant is opened but is carryout only. (April, 2020)
Tourism employee
United States
Explore #TourismFromZero perspectives
Different perspectives on the selected topic: ALL
Tourism business representative
Bosnia Herzegovina
Tourist
Singapore
Tourism business representative
Slovakia
#From Instagram
TOURISM MEANS
What I love about travelling is the feeling I get every time, when I’m off to a new trip, and excitement about discovering new destinations, learning about different cultures, meeting new people and escaping from reality and turning off our everyday lifestyle. (May, 2020)
Student
Serbia
CHALLENGES
The first time in 9 years I have not traveled anywhere by plane, I actually spent a whole year '20 in Slovenia (which is not so bad, because Slovenia has really a lot to offer) (November, 2020)
Student
Slovenia
CONCERNS
Even before the stricter measures that forbid leaving your municipality were enforced, people drove to the coast for a stroll by the sea. This motive will not simply disappear all of sudden. On the other hand, of course, there is a possible black scenario for the future of tourism. This health crisis is a big test for our government. As we know, the political environment strongly influences the existence of tourism. I hope that as a country we will come together and take rational action based on facts, expert opinions and for the benefit of the people. We need to keep in mind that this is a pandemic, therefore it will affect practically the whole world and if this lasts for a long time, the economy will suffer greatly. (April, 2020)
Student
Slovenia
IDEAS
Pre-pandemic challenges including over-tourism, aircraft emission pollution, and budget travels may be things of the past now. This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a look at Sustainable Development Goals seriously and consider how we want to brand tourism going forward. (April, 2020)
Student
Japan
I CAN OFFER
Motivation and a great desire to improve tourism. (March, 2020)
Student
Slovenia
I NEED
State aid. (August, 2020)
Tourism employee
Slovenia
SOLUTIONS
For the individual properties, it came down to providing refunds and vouchers for another stay to guests who had already booked for the next few months, as we know they won't be allowed to come stay due to state laws. As a company, we want to keep our employees safe and healthy as well, so telling the ones who can work to work from home. Keeping honest and open communication between the higher-ups and the employees about the status of the company, their working timeline, and honestly anything they have questions and concerns about. (April, 2020)
Tourism employee
United States
EXPLOITATION
Social media influencers using it for attention; politicians making speeches to further their own agendas and blame various other parties instead of taking responsibility. Others whom are price gouging, being rude and inconsiderate, unfortunately this list goes on and on and on. (March, 2020)
Student
United States
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)
