How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the travel industry?
(Article Courtesy of: Alan Feuerman, Dream Vacations)
In March of 2020, due to the pandemic the travel industry shut down. Planes, hotels, tours, cruises, etc. were forced to cease operation to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. The cruise industry got hit especially hard after outbreaks on several cruise ships were widely publicized and left a negative impression on cruise passengers. The cruise lines have since worked hand-in-hand with the CDC (Centers of Disease Control) to institute very strict health protocols to mitigate against any further infectious outbreaks. Some of the 20 newly instituted protocols include the installing of extremely fine hepa-filters able to remove even small viral particles from circulating air, testing requirements for Covid, 95% or greater vaccination rate of guests, social distancing, reduced capacity, on-board physicians, rooms set aside for quarantining, private transport back home for those who test positive and much, much more.
In July of 2021, major cruise lines began operating again implementing all of these new health protocols, and they are proud to report that the number of new Covid cases contracted onboard has been very minimal. So, these health protocols are proving to be effective in creating a safe environment for cruise guests to enjoy. After a year and four months of no cruises out of the U.S, the resumption of cruising has certainly been a boost to the economy of the U.S. cruise port cities. Restaurants, hotels, and transportation services in places like Florida are beginning to see business pick-up considerably due to the resumption of cruises
Many tour operators, hotels, and cruise lines who used to have strict policies on non-refundable deposits, deadlines for final payments, cancellation policies, etc. have become much more flexible with their booking policies. Many companies are allowing the change in dates for your vacation plans, full refunds, future cruise credit with bonus credits, and other travel concessions in order to be sympathetic to the ever-changing pandemic situation. Even airlines, who in the past had strict policies, are now allowing cancellations to be refunded or receive a full credit for travel in the future, no change fees, and no cancellation penalties. These flexible new policies are welcomed by consumers and hopefully will be here to stay.
Travel agencies and travel agents have been hit particularly hard like other segments of the travel industry. Since they depend on the commissions being paid after their clients have traveled, many have been without an income for more than a year. Many brick-and-mortar storefront travel agencies have been forced to close their offices and move to the more cost-effective home-based approach. Many travel agents have been forced to work alternative jobs until the travel industry rebounds.
The good news is that with people cancelling and postponing trips for the last year and a half, there is a large pent-up demand which is making 2022 a record-breaking year for travel bookings. Not only are there more bookings but people are spending a great deal more money on their trips since they have saved more money by spending a lot less due to limited activities outside their homes throughout the year.
When will everything return back to normal before the pandemic hit? Nobody knows for sure. But with vaccinated people doing more travel and venturing out to restaurants and visiting family members, things are gradually returning to normal.
So, when you are ready to start planning your next amazing trip, be sure to contact your local travel advisor for expert advice.
By Alan Feuerman of Dream Vacations
Contact info: (561) 674-4300