New Trends come and go in all walks of life every year but 2021 is set to be one of tourism’s most significant years to date and travel looks a little different than pre-pandemic years.
As the hardest hit sector by Covid 19 pandemic and still remains in survival mode with many challenges ahead and the outlook remains highly uncertain in the Tourism sector, but the vaccines bring hopes for recovery.
The recovery of international tourism requires global co-operation and continued government support to cushion the blow to tourism. It is the right time to take advantage of new technologies and better environment-friendly business practices that are stronger, fairer, and more sustainable models of tourism development.
Tourism is a complex system consisting of multiplex networks and also an open system that exchanges material, energy, with its environment. Millions of components interact with each other in the local networks in various layers globally.
Destinations that heavily depend on international tourism are struggling while Domestic tourism has restarted and eased the impact in some destinations. The opportunities to encourage innovation and new business models, explore new markets, new destinations, paves the way to move to more sustainable and resilient tourism development models.
The tourist’s attitudes have been changed significantly after the pandemic. Personal hygiene and sanitation are now being given priority. Tourists prefer to visit more isolated places and also avoid crowded spots and also changed the Travel patterns such as Nearby places and short travel along with the local food and village experiences are some of the new trends emerging in the sector. At least for some more time, Mega-events will be less attractive
Tourism may look inwards for a while be more domestic directed. Nature and wildlife will triumph and will be preferred over monuments and history in the future. So, the hills, the sea resorts, wildlife reserves, and slightly isolated locations will win overcrowded favourites of yore. Road-trips may find greater favour. Drive-outs, long weekends and short vacations, are the preferred options for families and youngsters.
No doubt that If we deny climate change and keep exploiting mother nature, animals, and ecosystems, then we should have to pay the price eventually. COVID-19 is most likely originated as the other side of the coin of our exotic/luxury food consumption culture. Other viruses and disasters that can easily eradicate human beings as if we have never lived are not so far. Human beings should always be aware that we are also part of this Universe and not faster than time and bigger than space. Amidst the present chaos in the sector, how sustainable tourism can be a way ahead.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021