What Recovery, Relapse, Rebounds, and Revenge Tourism Look Like for APAC

2020 was the year all tourists got sucker-punched by a virus. One virus cleared the skies, emptied the beaches, and turned hotels into haunted houses. Now, however, we are entering the error of a new normal. As countries try to figure out precisely what that is, travelers are already starting to make their rounds. After being cooped up for more than a year, they look for any excuse to get out.

Vaccinations are being rolled out, making it a safer world for us to visit. But we must learn from this experience. This new world is promising but unpredictable, so the travel industry must be cautious as they embrace looser restrictions.

What is Revenge Tourism?

When people have a near-death experience, they realize that self-restriction is ridiculous and live for the now. That’s what revenge tourism is about. We all went through a near-death experience. I’m not just talking about the virus. Lockdown isolated us from friends and family. Closed economies shrunk our world to the walls in our homes. We all sat down, made post-lock-down lists, and vowed that we live for the now. And we are going to make up for all the time we “lost” in 2020.

If China is anything to go by, their labor day holiday has already seen a surge in local travel. Even though the number of Covid cases has remained low, the authorities are cautious even as they open tourist corridors.

What Barriers do Tourists Face When Choosing a Destination During the Pandemic?

Although our suitcases are packed and ready to go, we still want to be safe. Some of the issues that influence that decision are:

Healthcare Infrastructure of the Destination Country.

What protocols have been put in place by the government? Is the communication about these protocols clear and consistent? Is there a vaccination pass? Some countries have a leg-up in this area, having gone through the SARS crisis. Countries such as Thailand and China put in place policies and procedures to limit the spread of infection. As a result, they were better prepared when COVID-19 hit. Despite the rapid rate of infections initially, they have managed to control the spread domestically and have kept new infection rates very low. That goes to reassure tourists of their safety during their stay.

Local Transport Infrastructure

As we will explore below, one of the emerging trends will be domestic tourism. Travelers will pick destinations depending on their accessibility.

What Opportunities Can Tourists Explore?

Ecotourism

In the documentary "The year the earth changed,” we saw the animal kingdom thrive in our absence. An increase in wild populations of various species will provide an opportunity for countries to attract adventure seekers. If marketed appropriately, regional eco-conscious visitors can witness nature renewed.

Health and Wellness Tourism

This past year has exacerbated the mental health crisis. Many people visit Asia to restore balance to their bodies and minds. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city attracts domestic tourists to wild spaces for peace and tranquility.

What Trends do we Expect?

Domestic Tourism

Although countries are starting to open their borders, there are many hurdles for the ordinary traveler that wants to get away for a few days. For example, on May 2nd Singapore, announced a ban on entry for transit travelers from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. That would certainly complicate things for anyone who made plans on May 1st. Also, let’s not forget, certificates for Covid tests are only valid for 96 hours, and some countries still require visitors to quarantine for 14 days at their own expense. Those charges add up.

That’s why many people are opting for local destinations. There’s no need for quarantine. The hygiene restrictions are easy to follow: social distancing, wear a mask and wash your hands.

The industry, in turn, is offering great deals and low rates to boost bookings. As a result, people previously locked out by international rates can now enjoy the beauty of their homeland.

We don’t know when true normalcy will resume, so even though the offers will be short-lived, they’ll get businesses on the road to recovery.

Outdoor Activities

Infection surges cause businesses and hotels to shut down. With social distancing, the capacity of hotels and eateries shrinks. Fortunately, destinations with great outdoor activities protect visitors from such closures. Hikes and climbs are very popular because they allow a group to participate while still following the set regulations. People will move away from cities and other congested areas and aim for wide-open spaces.

There are likely to be partnerships between parks and hotels, with packages that allow them to enjoy the great outdoors while enjoying the luxury of top-notch hospitality. Hotels will have to innovate ways to tap into the singles market. There are lots of people willing to travel, but rates for single travelers are very unfriendly. Travel agents have come up with packages where strangers can travel together and enjoy friendlier rates.

Contactless Technology

As much as we miss the human touch, we now know all the negative things that come with it. The hotel industry will have to embrace the new way of doing business. Other than an exchange of pleasantries, everything else can either be done by the patron or gadgets. Not too long ago, we all had to queue at the airport to check-in, even if all you had was a knapsack. Now, if it wasn’t for all the security checks, you’d probably just go straight to your gate. The same can be done by hotels. The right technology will improve the tourist experience and offer security for the business.

Mobile Check/ins and Payments

With new apps, hotel guests can check themselves in, thereby reducing the time spent sipping juice in the lobby.

Use of Biometrics

Imagine never having to worry about losing a keycard or getting infected by one. Facial recognition could help with hygiene and authentication, improve the hotel guests’ experience, and safeguard the business.

Is the Tourism Industry Prepared for This Uptake in Demand?

The complete recovery of the tourism industry will likely take years. That said, the recovery will be faster in some countries. Those that have a healthy domestic tourism market will recover more quickly than those reliant on international tourists. As part of the recovery process, many of these countries will need financial assistance to restore their facilities, hire and train their staff. International bodies such as the Asian Development bank have set aside funds to help Asian countries prepare for the post-COVID era.

The road to recovery is bumpy and often unsettling, but we are headed back. It may take a few years, so we need to innovate to stay afloat. People are just as eager to travel as those in the industry are to have them. It will just take a little time and a little creativity.