A Research Exploring the Impact of Covid-19 on Tourism: Transformational Potential and Implications for a Sustainable Recovery of the Travel Industry!

Abstract

That is why it has been so painful to see how tourism has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the immediate pain of the pandemic, we should not miss the chance to make full use of the crisis. For the tourism sector in India, it is no longer going to be business-as-usual and we will need to redefine, refocus and change the game plan going forward. It is essential to measure the impact of Covid-19 and prepare a cogent strategy involving both the government and the industry stakeholders, which can be categorised into three phases: Survive (short-term), revive (medium-term) and thrive (long-term). We will see a trend towards taking cognisance of environmental costs beyond economic costs; destinations that will move towards a zero carbon footprint along with higher levels of hygiene; tour operators and hoteliers gravitating towards more responsible and meaningful experiences through minimising food miles; showcasing the local for the global; and positioning the host community as the centrepiece of the tourist experience.