Over the past many months that we may have faced the greatest pandemic in our time, there were protocols and precautions assigned and, mandatory quarantines were required. Adding to this, we have seen that many countries were banned or banning other countries to restrain the transmission of COVID-19.
Tour Operators Association of the United States has revealed its new results of an internal survey of destination managers, looking for input on the reopening of tourism in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
DMO Associate Members continue to report that domestic tourism will be the top priority as their destination reopens, tracked by regional or neighboring countries. When it comes to health and safety practices, an irresistible 97 percent of DMOs reveal that they are going to use their own governments’ health and hygiene protocol. More than half, however, reported that they are ready to rely on UNWTO/WHO strategies.
Approximately a third of DMO participants have by now resumed marketing campaigns in the U.S., while another 30 percent plan to restart marking in the first quarter of 2021. That represents an increase in planned marketing for Q1 2021 compared to the August DMO survey that reported 22 percent would start in the early part of next year.
Being unsure or too early to determine whether they are ready to go on a travel, was one of the most responses. This being said, DMO’s report clears out people’s interest in hitting the road again if the destinations are reopening. Of course, respecting the protocols will still be an inseparable part of traveling, but knowing how many people are waiting for destinations to be open surely helps the travel traders and travel industry to know what to be prepared for.
Given the fact that 2021 holidays are ahead of us when the destinations will be welcoming guests has come to great importance and has drawn a lot of attention to itself.