The new currency in tourism

Such a life-changing event as the COVID-19 pandemic brings with it new behaviours and threatens to alter world views. Travel is no exception as health, customer confidence, and disaster management in times of crises will take precedence and emerge as the new currency in travel.

Hazel Jain

Trust and confidence

Confidence among travellers has been one of the casualties of the pandemic. Countries, airlines and airports are now finding ways to restore this by not only promoting the strict protocols they are putting in place but also getting safety ‘stamps’ and certificates approved by global authorities.

Sturdy insurance

Insurance companies will have to scramble to create a new insurance policy that will cover COVID-19 as well, whether it is booking cancellations or health safety while travelling. This event is also likely to bring about a drastic change in the percentage of people buying travel insurance.

Flexibility in bookings

In the absence of a vaccine, flexibility in bookings whether it is air or hotel, has become one of the most important factors for travellers while buying. In turn, higher flexibility could allow providers to charge a higher premium and reflect bookings which offer more safety and trust for customers.

Health and bio safety

Bio-safety measures, especially for cross-border travel, introduced by airlines and airports will be key in safely restarting international travel, the same way security took precedence after 9/11 attacks. This COVID-19 will likely bring long-lasting changes in order to avoid any other virus attacks in future.

Emergency response

Disaster management and how a country has responded in times of emergency such as this has become a priority after many travellers were left stranded in another state and country. Travellers will likely pick that destination to visit which has its emergency protocols in place now.