Covid disrupted my summer trekking schedule due to lockdown forcing us to stay at home. Even after easing, i foresee risks in traveling which i noted from my travel last week after we were allowed to travel within the state. I love unplanned trips and enjoy the warmth of rural places where guests are always welcome.
Last week, when i took turn from highway to the interiors, i saw naturally erected barriers in front of village entrance archs. Villagers did not want us outsiders. The villagers were protecting themselves from outsiders. I had to take roundabout road but wherever i went, the same villagers who always welcomed tourists were looking at us with suspicious eyes. Everyone is scared.
We did not stop anywhere for snacks or drinks. We drove to our destination. Lodgings were closed per government rules. We were stopped several times and thermal screened. We normally eat at highway joints but this time preferred a branded coffee shop since the highway joints catered to mass markets and these days, anyone could be a carrier. We avoided all places where there were any crowds. We then realized that we might not eat in these highway joints for the whole of this year.
What we realized then is that the fear which has set in people wont bring back things to normal even after easing. Even in the branded stores, there was fear in the serving staff. They were curious to know if we were from any red zone.
Travel is not going to be same this year. The fear of the unknown has engulfed not just the tourism service provider, but also us, the customer. In this mutual fear, business is not going to pickup in Q2 even after easing. Family travel will be less in Q3 since schools are starting in Q3. Q4 might be the trigger that tourism industry seeks since not just is the end of the year peak travel season, but its a big temptation for family and youth to celebrated outside. We might though see slowdown in international travel since travel advisories this year in the coming months will focus on Covid rates in countries and their recovery rates and possible infections. Not just me, but most in our travel group concur on this. Tourism business will have lost 2 quarters totally this year and needs to be prepared for a slowdown even in their peak travel season in Q4.
Q2 is gone almost. Q3 might be moderate with less family travel since schools are starting then. End of year tourism in Q4 might be triggering point but slowdown is expected even in peak travel season.
Meetings have shifted to online platforms disrupting MICE market during Covid & this might be a trend going forward. There is no point traveling far to a MICE resort for just meetings during tight business times. That disruptive thinking has already started in corporate circles.
