Since the breakout of the CoronaVirus, the world has witnessed a tremendous change in most aspects of life. The travel industry is one of the most affected sectors. The normal travels changed as countries closed their borders. Cessations, lockdowns and curfews limited movements within countries. In addition, massive lay-offs of workers limited finances as households spent on essentials only. This led to the closure of so many vacation accommodations and hotels.
Well, we are all hoping that someday the world will return to normalcy and be free from the virus. However, until then, we look up to science and medicine for a solution like a potential jab. An invention of a reliable vaccine would help a great deal to at least lower the infectivity rates. Additionally, it would definitely bring recognizable changes both socially and economically. Here in, we shall discuss the most likely route the travel industry will take in case a vaccine is invented.
#1 Measures to keep off the virus will still be upheld
A vaccine can only give some protection to the body against infection, but it is not a guaranteed cure in case of contracting the disease. This is why some of the current measures put in place to keep the virus at bay must remain even with the potential vaccine.
Travelers will feel safer keeping off physical contact with strangers and gatherings. Most likely, private accommodations such as vacation rentals are likely to be the most preferred choice of accommodation in the unforeseeable future.
Private means of transport such as private jets and private cars and will continue to be the most preferred among travelers. Additionally, most travelers will seek to secure an international driver license as permitted to drive themselves around when in a foreign country.
#2 Some destinations will bounce back
The truth is that a vaccine will bring some hope to the world. However, let us face it; the third world countries and most especially Sub-Saharan Africa might take a long time to access it compared to the developed countries. What most travelers wish for is the assurance of their safety. If this happens, most of the developed countries will be able to offer this assurance with the potential vaccine.
In this case, most travelers are likely to gain back the courage to travel to Europe, for instance, regardless of the high infectivity and death rates it has already experienced. Consequently, they will be very cautious to travel to countries where the vaccine will not be available yet. This only means that the travel industry in those countries might take longer to experience some normalcy.
Nevertheless, local travels will increase slowly and gradually because nations will be able to lift the lockdowns and cessations after the invention of a vaccine.
#3 Flexibility of booking terms will extend
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the terms and conditions around travel had to acquire some level of flexibility due to the uncertainties that came about as the infection rates continued rising. Travelers were forced to make cancellations of their already booked flights and hotels, as countries closed their borders and travel advisories were made. Refunds were made with no deductions and the booking period validity extended.
Even after a COVID-19 vaccine, accommodation providers and airlines will most likely uphold this flexibility. As a result, travelers will be much more comfortable to risk making bookings with airlines and hotels. This is because they are assured of non-complicated adjustments to their bookings in case of any eventualities. They can adjust their travel dates or make necessary changes without complicated processes.
#4 Travels will be on the rise
Since the start of the pandemic, most travelers were forced to stay indoors. Their hopes to travel were shattered as lockdowns and cessations of movements were imposed.
Finally, travel restrictions are most likely to be lifted with a possible vaccine available. This is a chance most people are waiting for, in order to make up for lost vacations and holidays. They are also eager to relax after the stress they have experienced during this pandemic period. They most certainly will grab any chance given to resume travel after a prolonged time at home.
Additionally, there is a likelihood there will be more first time travellers than ever before. After a very long time locked at home, most people have grown to appreciate the freedom of travel. They will be more willing to travel the world and just marvel at the opportunity of being out there.
Lastly, hotels would have maximum bookings and airlines would be forced to adjust their schedules to accommodate more people.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has come as a wakeup call to many. It has raised consciousness of other infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis that most travellers either ignored or were unaware of before. They are more knowledgeable now and they are keener with their safety.
The travel industry should remain as vigilant as it has been all through the pandemic period, even after a vaccine invention. Safety measures should be upheld, and most importantly, a COVID-19 vaccine be made mandatory for every traveller.
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