The pandemic has changed society, jobs` conditions and our lifestyle. But which is the situation now in the tourism industry? Let´s talk about changes in tourism industry after pandemic.
We all remember March 11th 2020, when the WHO declared the begin of pandemic. Since that day the tourism worldwide suffered and the loss for all touristic infrastructures has been sadly massive: approximately $4 trillion. In the years 2021 and 2022 hotels, touristic agencies and airline companies have struggled between empty properties and legislative rules changing any time.
A very bed scenario whereby a lot of employees decided to change job field. Long hours and reduced personnel, discussions with partners or guests for late cancellations, groups not coming at the last minute. From the employers’ side has not been better and they have made efforts to survive during this crazy time.
Any time was a challenge to define the forecast, consequently the staff shifts and the number of employees needed per department too. Recruiting with permanent contract was a risk, while short term cancellations for flights and reservations were a day occurrence.
Without even mentioning all owners forced to ceases their activities.
But after a big crisis there is always a period of renaissance. The prevision for summer 2023 is very positive: more recruitments, more defined forecasts, increasement of bookings. Nevertheless, after a big crisis there are a lot of amendments too.
Let`s check together the main points concerned the change in the tourism industry.
Shortage of staff
The reason for the lack of personnel is mostly caused because many employees were fired and other decided to change sector due the working conditions. Currently there is a problem by finding staff, especially for the qualified personnel.
Flexibility
Flexibility by bookings has changed. Guests, agencies and third parts are booking mostly with flexible policies. It means that contracts and agreements have changed after the pandemic, because clients are still feeling insecure.
Prices
In many instances prices for accommodations and flights are higher. Based on the increasement of demand, many touristic companies, hoteliers and airlines have raised rates. A purpose is surely the cost recovery after crisis.
Digitalization
During the pandemic, companies have digitalized information and services, in order to decrease contact with guests and also to limit the use of any materials. Hence, today most of them are still working with digitalized menus, brochures, key cards, tickets, etc.
Social Media
The quarantine increased the use of social media all over the world. There are a lot of companies which are now following more the social media trends, in the view to advertise the own business.
Online meetings
The growth of online meetings from one side decreased the small meeting rooms` demand, from the other side instead increased the request for hybrid rooms and working stations. It consists in another way to work with business guests.
Remote and hybrid jobs
The flexibility of remote working created new possibilities: the employees feel free to work from home, hybrid rooms or other countries. At the same time, the employers can economise with that working place not in spot operation.
Digital nomads
Many people with the possibility of remote working, decided to work from other countries or even by travelling. This trend has totally changed the way to work and there are many hotels and apartments working with digital nomads, mostly are places far from big cities. Therewith there are promotions for trips and accommodations related to digital nomads.
Discovering the nature
During the pandemic a lot of people, trying to avoid the spread of COVID, begun to walk in the nature. For this reason, many of them have rediscovered the beauty of nature and the adventures in the open air. Consequently, this year there is an increment of bookings in places faraway from cities: mountains, islands, deserts, safari and adventurous tours.
EXTERNAL RELATED LINK
United Nations explains the loss of all touristic infrastructure during pandemic.
Written By
Knowess International
Knowess International helps business owners and department heads working in the hospitality and restaurant industries to develop the necessary skills with targeted consulting.
