TOURISM MEANS

A way to learn about different people and cultures, explore and adventure.

Runaway from everydays work and obligations. (April, 2020)

Tourist

Macedonia

CHALLENGES

Personally I’m not really affected by COVID-19 when it comes to traveling. Of course I would love to go somewhere rather than just different places in Austria but that is just not happening this year and that’s fine for me. (December, 2020)

Student

Austria

CONCERNS

Initially, there was a fear. Then a question of the summer season, on which not only many Croatians depend income wise, but also the financial health of the country (large share of BDP). Now, it seems that there will be some tourist activity over the summer season, but the restrictive measures were relaxed in such a short time that many fear of the surge in number of sick once international visitors arrive. This is at this very moment, but situation still changes very quickly and next week it might be that we would face entire new set of issue. (May, 2020)

Researcher, academic

Croatia

IDEAS

Private tours are currently the safest way to travel. The probability that a tourist will be infected on the trip is relatively small, as long as the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the Slovenian National Institute of Public Health are followed. (July, 2020)

Tourism business representative

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

A list of companies in the tourism industry that are hiring. What companies are going to be looking for employees once things start to pick up again and what companies are no longer going to be able to stay in business due to lost revenues during this time. (April, 2020)

Student

United States

SOLUTIONS

The tourism sector has been hit very hard by the pandemic. The following article might provide some light for the tourism sector, in these dark times: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/resources/impact-covid-19-travel-hospitality-industry-and-6-startups-can-help/ (June, 2020)

Student

Austria

EXPLOITATION

There have been cases I heard of where companies would apply for financial support from the government, even though they where not entitled to get it and had no real need for it. (June, 2020)

Student

Austria

OTHER / SPOTTED

After the Virus: 10 Consumer Trends for a Post-Coronavirus World

Article presents 10 new trends and innovations in the world, which can make great changes and boom also in the tourism affected by covid-19. As examples it can be virtual experience economy, virtual companions, ambient wellness, or assisted development.

https://skift.com/2020/03/17/after-the-virus-10-consumer-trends-for-a-post-coronavirus-world/ (April, 2020)

Student

Czech Republic