With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, travel as we know has come to an increasingly abrupt halt. While some still choose to travel domestically, international travel is exceedingly rare, and rightfully so. But what does that look like for the travel industry and all of the major participants that make up the industry?
With many countries still battling the deadly virus as well as seeing an increase in reported cases many in the travel industries and in industries in all fields are looking to find ways to rebuild and reemerge stronger than ever from this global crisis. However, the effects on the travel industry have been detrimental and the industry as a whole will have to accept that there will be a long & lengthy road to recovery. One thing that does bring hope to many of those suffering amidst this pandemic is that a vaccine looks to be available to selected groups here shortly. On Nov. 9th it was announced that one of the candidates for the COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer & BioNTeach, was over 90% effective in preventing the volunteers involved in the study from contracting the fast-spreading virus.
After this incredible news, the travel industry did see an immediate boost in airline & cruise ship company share prices. Tour operators also reported seeing an increase in searches & bookings for 2021. The fact of the matter is, is that when travel is safe & people feel that they are protected against this deadly virus, they want to travel. Many didn’t get to take their long-awaited vacations in 2020. Many are enduring stress, depression, and a sense of confinement and they are ready to get out and enjoy life, their families, and the world.
While this pandemic has brought about a lot of heartaches, loss, and devastation, the citizens of our world are looking to appreciate their loved ones more, up the quality of life, and take time for all of or at least a lot more of the little things. While we do have a long way to go all over the world in terms of getting completely healthy again, one thing is for sure, when travel begins to return to normal, don’t hesitate to get out and see the world and all the things you have wished to see. Life is short, circumstances are out of our control, and never again will we take for granted the freedom to get up and go!