What will happen to tourism after the pandemic? Expert answers

Of course, we are already sitting at home and waiting for the opening of borders and the opportunity to travel again. And while we spend the rest of the week in self-isolation, we talked to Dmitry Anpilogov, director of the Laguna Tour travel agency, about what awaits us after the end of the pandemic and what destination to choose for the first trip after a long break.

How are things in the travel industry now? It seems that a thaw is coming.

There is no tourism as such now. Since the middle of March there has been a ban on any activity of tourist companies, so they are waiting for a gradual return. It is difficult to make any predictions in the current situation. In some places the thaw is really felt. In the Czech Republic, in fact, all restrictions have already been lifted, hotels and airlines are starting to operate. Turkey is also actively preparing for the start of the tourist season, which they plan to begin in June. As for Russia, we are now in second place in terms of the number of people who have fallen ill. Whether other countries will let Russians in is a big question. And will our authorities let us into other countries?

New inspection requirements

After the terrorist attack on September 11, all airports around the world introduced strict requirements, thorough searches and a ban on bringing manicure supplies and liquids into the cabin. It was a novelty for people, nevertheless all airports of the world have switched to the new rules of operation. Due to the pandemic, changes are also expected in the near future. There may be rapid tests created to check for contamination.

Should we expect price increases after the pandemic?

Experts assure that there will be price increases as well. The requirements for hotels and sanatoriums have become stricter. People must be put into rooms one at a time, so that the neighboring one was empty. In restaurants only one person should sit at a table, sanitary treatment and increased chlorine content in swimming pools are mandatory. And in case of illness, the accommodation facility turns into an observatory. The question arises: how much should all this cost? And will people want to risk their health for their own money?

What to do for those who have already managed to buy tours?

During the winter months, summer bookings were very active. Good prices, promotions, early booking system worked, and then what happened happened. As a result, tourists paid money to tour operators, and they, in turn, paid money to hosts and airlines. Unfortunately, it is still impossible to get the money back after the trip has been canceled. Customers have an opportunity to use the same tours after the pandemic ends or rebook them to new destinations.

But there is a positive moment: those who bought tours in winter paid at a favorable rate. And all monetary funds of firms for payment of foreign tours are kept in currency. Accordingly, the future trip will be much more profitable.

Tourist companies are closing down?

Now travel agencies have no right to close, a moratorium on bankruptcy has been introduced. Since March, many of the companies are forced to carry over for free. By the way, it is worth noting that the absolute majority of tourists behave with understanding, even with sympathy.

Can countries not open their borders in 2020?

Each country acts differently depending on the situation. It turns out that there are two poles: there are those countries that have been spared from the coronavirus or with minimal consequences, and those that have suffered greatly. Both are afraid of each other. Nevertheless, the Czech Republic, Montenegro, Turkey and Spain say they will open their borders in the near future. Of course, with stricter security measures. The intentions of others are still unknown.

Will visas be extended?

Many countries, primarily from the Schengen zone, have stated that for tourists who have already issued visas and failed to use them, the terms will be extended for the next trip. But this does not apply to all countries.

Where will Russians fly to after self-isolation?

Of course, a surge in bookings is expected after the opening of borders. Another issue is that many people are already losing motivation and desire to travel, because the economic crisis is not far off. And it is quite possible that mass tourism will not be so mass anymore.

Development of domestic tourism

At the moment, tourists want to go anywhere, but now it is impossible to go anywhere. Therefore, when the restrictions will be removed, the development of domestic tourism will begin first of all. The first to remove restrictions on traveling around the country. First of all, people will go to the Black Sea coast, and then to other regions. Let’s see what our big country looks like.