Written by Daniel Christopher Mkilanya – Art in Tanzania internship
One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, no industry has remained unaffected, and tourism is no exception. From cancelled weddings and festivals to reduced dining out, the world has suffered a significant decline in tourism. The U.S. alone has incurred more than $297 billion in losses due to the decrease in travel since the beginning of March 2020.
However, as the summer months progress and people seek any excuse to leave their homes, tourism is making a comeback, for better or worse. The tourism industry is undoubtedly evolving, but people still crave the opportunity to travel. And tourism research is seeing that wanderlust desire. We need to remain mindful of the millions of people who work in the tourism industry and understand that changes in the sector directly affect individuals who depend on tourism.” For us to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry, first we have to know what the Coronavirus is and how it spreads from one person to another
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered type of Coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illnesses. The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well-informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes, and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands frequently or using an alcohol-based rub, and avoid touching your face.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s essential that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
2. How Coronavirus has affected the tourism industry: Failure of tourism businesses
It is often the case that tourism companies suffer during times of hardship. The independent travel agent in Arusha, the street seller in Zanzibar, and the taxi driver at our airports are all examples of this. If there are no tourists, there is no business.
I have met many local workers during my travels in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. The effect of Coronavirus on tourism is most certainly evident in Tanzania. Many tourists have paid half the usual price for hotels, and many tourist attractions are also less crowded.
Whilst this has been good for tourists, it has been disastrous for local businesspeople, including the man who wants to sell ice cream, the lady who offers a ride home, and the family-run restaurant business. The coronavirus has had a significant impact on large tourism businesses as well. We have recently seen the collapse of airline companies as a result of the reduction in tourism.
Restrictions on travelling
Due to the increase in the number of victims, different countries have decided to impose travel restrictions as one of the ways to prevent the further spread of the Coronavirus. The general public is also concerned that they may transmit the virus to their elderly or immune-compromised friends and relatives.
As a result, many people are choosing not to travel. It’s an effective way to prevent the further spread of the Coronavirus, but for the travel business, it’s a significant loss.
2. How will domestic tourism recover?
UN World Tourism Organisation UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “UNWTO expects domestic tourism to return faster and stronger than international travel. Given the size of domestic tourism, this will help many destinations recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, while at the same time safeguarding jobs, protecting livelihoods and allowing the social benefits tourism offers also to return.”
The briefing note also shows that, in most destinations, domestic tourism generates higher revenues than international tourism. In OECD nations, domestic tourism accounts for 75% of total tourism expenditure, while in the European Union, domestic tourism expenditure is 1.8 times higher than inbound tourism expenditure. Globally, the largest domestic tourism markets in terms of expenditure are the United States, with nearly US$1 trillion; Germany, with US$249 billion; Japan, with US$201 billion; the United Kingdom, with US$154 billion; and Mexico, with US$139 billion (UNWTO, 2020).
Initiatives to boost domestic tourism
Given the value of domestic tourism and current trends, an increasing number of countries are taking steps to grow their markets, according to the UNWTO. This new Briefing Note provides case studies of initiatives designed to stimulate domestic demand. These include initiatives focused on marketing and promotion, as well as financial incentives (UNWTO, 2020). Examples of countries taking targeted steps to boost domestic tourist numbers include:
In Italy, the Bonus Vacanze initiative provides families with incomes of up to EUR 40,000 with contributions of up to EUR 500 to spend on domestic tourism accommodations.
Malaysia allocated US$113 million worth of travel discount vouchers as well as personal tax relief of up to US$227 for expenditure related to domestic tourism.
Costa Rica moved all holidays of 2020 and 2021 to Mondays, allowing Costa Ricans to enjoy long weekends to travel domestically and extend their stays.
France launched the campaign #CetÉtéJeVisiteLaFrance (‘This Summer, I visit France’), highlighting the diversity of destinations across the country.
Argentina has announced the creation of an Observatory for Domestic Tourism to provide a more comprehensive profile of Argentine tourists.
Thailand will subsidise 5 million nights of hotel accommodation at 40% of regular room rates for up to five nights.
