The outbreak of Covid-19 has caused a lot of concern for people worldwide. One of the industries that have been most affected is travel. Airlines have had to cancel flights, hotels have had to close, and tourism has taken a significant hit. In this blog post, we will discuss the impact that Covid-19 is having on travel and what you need to know if you are planning on traveling soon.
Let’s get started.
Role of travel & tourism in India
The travel & tourism industry is a significant contributor to the Indian economy. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the sector directly contributed USD 36.71 billion to India’s GDP in 2018 and is expected to grow in the coming years.
In India, the tourism industry employs 12.75 %, with direct employment accounting for 5.56 percent and indirect employment accounting for 7.19 percent.
As per the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) financial statement for 2019-20, the travel sector engaged over 87 million citizens of India in 2018-19.
The yearly income of marketed and regulated hotels in India is expected to be 38,000 crores ($5 billion).
In India, the restaurant sector generates around Rs. 4 lakh crore ($53 billion) in yearly revenue. More than 7 million individuals are directly employed in this business.
Over 400,000 individuals work exclusively in India’s air transport business, with another 940,000 working in linked supply networks.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Travel
The outbreak of Covid-19 has dealt a severe blow to India’s travel and tourism industry. The virus has spread to more than 150 countries, resulting in a sharp decline in tourist arrivals.
Inbound travel from China, India’s largest source of tourists, has come to a standstill. Tourist destinations across the country have reported a significant drop in footfalls. The crisis has hit hotels, restaurants, and other businesses catering to tourists.
Due to the Impact of COVID-19 on Travel, The Indian government has taken several measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, including suspending visas for foreign nationals and imposing a nationwide lockdown. These measures have had a profound impact on the travel and tourism sector. With international borders closed and domestic travel restricted, the industry is facing an unprecedented crisis.
Things to Know
Covid-19 has impacted air travel in a big way. Airlines have been struggling to keep up with the demand for flights, and many have had to cancel flights altogether. This has left travelers scrambling to find alternative ways to get where they need to go.
The good news is that there are still plenty of options for traveling during the Covid-19 pandemic. Here are a few things you should keep in mind if you’re planning on traveling:
Check the CDC website for updates on travel restrictions and recommendations.
Be sure to check with your airline or transportation provider for their latest policies and procedures regarding Covid-19.
If you’re feeling sick, it’s best to stay home.
Remember to practice social distancing and good hygiene while traveling.
Recovery Plans
Experts have stressed the need to focus on domestic tourism possibilities and attempt to benefit from it.
To avoid financial & job losses, the ICC recommends establishing a “Travel & Tourism Stabilization Fund”, including direct benefit transfers to each unit.
The experts also recommend cost optimization at all operating levels.
It’s also a good idea to use the FF&E Reserves with caution. The hoteliers would require the backing of the operators.
Any additional dry powder must be put to better use by buying existing assets rather than constructing new ones.