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.
I NEED
I need resources that could help provide guidance for a graduating senior on how to best position themselves in finding a job in an economy going through a recession right now. (April, 2020)
Student
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
For me tourism is about: exploring new cultures and places; Learning to see the world through new perspectives; getting away from it all; life-long memories; meeting new people; relaxing, speaking other languages, happy times with family and friends. (May, 2020)
Researcher, academic
France
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
People have less appetite for travelling in flying aluminium tubes or sailing in floating tin cans. (May, 2020)
Tourism or convention office, event organizer
United Kingdom
IDEAS
Hospitality is the most personal human interaction industry. I don't see how the hospitality industry will be able to become virtual like most industry's are becoming due to the coronavirus. That being said, I think the hospitality industry should shift a lot of focus to nature based tourism. This would allow people to practice social distancing and enjoy beautiful places in nature at the same time. An idea would be to establish an open air outdoor hotel in close to great hiking spots, where the hotel would serve as a base camp. This way tourists can go hiking all day then comeback and enjoy the services usually provided by a hotel, while still enjoying being outside in the fresh air. (April, 2020)
Student
United States
I CAN OFFER
The best resource I can offer to others is the power to brainstorm new ideas to improve the service processes in our tourism facilities. Just with a lot of innovation and new ways of service it is possible to reach the end with a success and not become a victim of it. (June, 2020)
Student
Italy
I NEED
State aid. (August, 2020)
Tourism employee
Slovenia
SOLUTIONS
Educate tourism workers on sustainable tourism and how to be mindful about locals and the environment. (April, 2020)
Local resident
Slovenia
EXPLOITATION
Global airlines and hotels holding back payments or only providing credits to customers, yet laying people off, and seeking bailouts. (April, 2020)
Researcher, academic
Canada
OTHER / SPOTTED
Maybe finding financial solutions or funds for those who are now in existential crisis. I also think everyone who is working in culture sector or any other art branch is fearful of the future situation. I think we should really support those and find a way to make their lives easier. After all, art is what define us, makes us humans. (April, 2020)
