The Rise and Fall of Tourism

Envisage standing atop a mountain with the chilly wind passing through the area, and the invigorating sight of the break of dawn emerging from the night sky — the chains of yesterday all vanishing along with the sunrise. Ah, no? Is the daybreak scenery not to your liking?

Imagine sitting on one of the lounge chairs located along the seashore of a known beach in a foreign nation. Take a sip from your well-deserved glass of your beverage of choice and stare at the astounding sunset. Would that, by chance, depict the perfect holiday get-away? No?

Perhaps, the idea of a cultural get-away may seem more appealing. A museum date or a historical site tour — oh, none of these match your taste? How unfortunate. Promptly, in the next few years, the “perfect vacation” will never be the same.

Conjure a delineation of a tranquil day at sea, and feel the subtle rocking of the boat as the waves carry it across the water when, out of nowhere, an unexpected series of huge waves hurl at the craft, causing it to plummet and get swallowed by the deep unknown.

The coronavirus outbreak has embedded fear and wariness in the people. To mitigate the spreading, during the first few months of the pandemic, countries have imposed travel bans on foreigners seeking entrance to their abode. This, by far, has taken a negative toll on tourism, one of the vital sectors that impact a country’s economy due to the revenue, employment, and global exposure generated. Consequently, several airline, shipping, and land transportations have reported massive drops in monthly sales, owing to the heavy and strict quarantine protocols imposed on both local and foreign tourists.

Annually, celebrated on the 27th of September, the World Tourism Day envisions the addressing of worldwide challenges incorporated in the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically catering to the Tourism sector. The event was held in a host country, and several guests were invited. However, owing to the travel protocols, and social distancing restrictions, for the year 2020 with the theme of “Tourism and Rural Development”, the main focus of the commemoration is economic recovery through tourism, and the promotion of local cultural destinations. As per UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, “Tourism has been a vehicle for integration, empowerment and generating income.”

As of July 23, 2020, the SARS-related virus initially called the 2019 novel coronavirus or the officially labelled SARS-Cov-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) has affected 15, 239, 805 worldwide — with a 4.1% death rate! This has caused drops on the number of tourists flying from country to country, in addition to regulations imposed on visitors, and the difficulty of out-of-country travel.

As social gatherings have not been permitted, the number of both local and foreign tourists has inflated. Travelling has become both a luxury, and a safety-scare. However, around the world, there has been evident tenuous leniency in travelling as countries have begun to open their borders. Those gradually recovering from the effects of the virus permitted travel within and outside their borders, given that the tourists test negative, and strict measures are dutifully observed.

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, worldwide-exposed and locally-known tourist destinations around the world have opened to local tourists, offering an experience like no other. With less tourists flocking the sandy terrain, and breathtaking historic sites, local visitors can finally experience having the beachfront solely for themselves, along with several restrictions due to safety protocols, of course!

Now offering contactless transactions, the spreading of the virus imposes less of a threat to potential tourists with the sudden shift to digital payments and e-transactions. In addition, an emergency action hotline is readily-available, paving the way for unsettled guests to phone in case of inquiries, and concerns regarding their safety from the devastation and menace of the virus. Masks and alcohol are, likewise, provided. If tested positive, immediate transfer to the nearest hospital is guaranteed.

Close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Picture what tranquility envisions even for an ephemeral moment as a reminder of what yesterday was — a forlorn memory of how it was before the virus. For most, tranquility is linked to sipping a warm cup of espresso on gloomy, rainy days inside a coffee shop; the aroma of coffee and the chilly kiss of the atmosphere sending a sense of comfort, and calmness. For others, it is the warm embrace of a bright sunny day at the beach where the mellifluous sound of waves crashing and the rustle of the beach trees’ leaves reaches their ears. Away from the limelight and noise of the city, rural areas are among those affected by the protocols due to travel limitations and safety measures.

The pandemic has drastically changed the travel framework. Fewer travel-goers have been exploring and hopping from one place to another as more opt to enjoy the solitude of their haven. Nevertheless, it is of no veiled fact that tourism is part of the country’s economy and culture. Travelling to foreign countries widens perspectives, and initiates inspiration, in addition to cultural awakening. It allows people to connect, and grasp a wide array of cultures better. It shows the differences between cultures, and boasts of the wonders a country has to offer.

Let us celebrate the value of international and domestic tourism! May the pandemic serve as a reminder of the value of local and foreign travel, embracing one’s culture and the local spots the nation has to offer, and the knowledge travelling can give to an individual.


References:
Eventbrite. (n.d.). World Tourism Day 2020 Tourism: Building Peace! Fostering Knowledge!. Retrieved from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-tourism-day-2020-tourism-building-peace-fostering-knowledge-tickets-72995652963


Foreign Policy. (2020, June 13). The Future of Travel After thr Coronavirus Pandemic. Retrieved from https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/06/13/travel-tourism-coronavirus-pandemic-future/


UN World Tourism Organization. (2020, September 8). World Tourism Day 2020: Global Community Unites To Celebrate “Tourism and Rural Development”. Retrieved from https://www.unwto.org/news/world-tourism-day-2020-global-community-unites-to-celebrate-tourism-and-rural-development