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How has Travel Fundamentally Changed Post-Pandemic?

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The world is undergoing radical changes since the outbreak of one of the deadliest pandemics ever. During the fag end of 2019, or more precisely the beginning of 2020, the world came to a standstill and business to a screeching halt. For the next one year or so, the world is to witness changes hitherto never even heard of. Businesses all over the world have taken a heavy beating due to restrictions that the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 steadily brought about. Though few business sectors managed to survive and more so do spectacularly well such as health, e-learning and digital transformation, traditional business areas including manufacturing, education, travel, tourism, food, hospitality, agriculture and few other service sectors continued to bleed blood. Travel, among all industry sectors, was the worst affected, and for the industry to recover appreciably will be a herculean effort.

Read more: 8 Countries That Have No COVID-19 Cases

To revive the hopes of the travel industry, we need to understand the changes that were set in motion by the pandemic, mostly due to the restrictions that paralyzed the movement of men and goods. Lockdown after lockdown prevented people from coming into contact with one another. Through adoption of digital communication tools, mostly internet-based, communication and networking heightened during the pandemic.

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Next, social distancing ensures that there is a virtual line of fire that prevents the spread of the pandemic. Wearing a mask and use of sanitizers became the new norm. The most important measure, however, was the global vaccination drive, keeping a check on the spread of the virus. All the aforementioned efforts are aimed at keeping the pandemic at bay, and for normalcy to return in the immediate future.

Must Read: Domestic Flight Travel Experience During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Travel Trends associated with COVID
Talking about the changes that the COVID has brought about, which is the primary line of thought in this article, here are some of the key trends that will continue to shape the future of travel operations anywhere in the world.

#1. Hygiene & Safety first
Hygiene & safety will dominate the core theme of setting travel standards in the future. A lot depends on how the local authorities frame travel restrictions in COVID-affected regions (depending upon the intensity: low/moderate/high). Based on the travel restrictions, anyone travelling to COVID-affected regions may have to plan accordingly keeping in mind the safety guidelines. COVID safety protocols have to be integrated onto the way a hotel or restaurant is marketed, and more importantly they must be clearly mentioned in the promotion content to avoid negativity.

#2. Focus on Leisure Travel than ‘Bleisure’
With most conferences, seminars and team meets happening remotely, tour operators should tailor their travel packages to attract leisure travel. Though it is not the end of the road for Business plus Leisure travel or ‘Bleisure’, it can take a few months to even a couple of years for a ‘bleisure’ tour to return to normalcy.

#3. Local vs. International Travel
Travel post-pandemic will get more interesting with local travel destinations preferred over international destinations. This is because of the risk factors generally associated while travelling abroad. Any travel agency will also have a ready ground report of the active caseload in a particular area for informed decision-making concerning travel.

Must Read: Same Day Flight Booking During Covid-19

#4. Contactless operation
Hotels and restaurants that adopt contactless operation to the maximum will be preferred over those that don’t. This has a lot to do with safety as any contact with the virus through objects can further its spread. Contactless payment over the years has increased manifold first due to the adoption of digital payments, and now gaining greater traction than ever before post-pandemic. It is also important for the hotels and restaurants to automate the process wherever possible for contactless operation.

#5. Customer Experience (CX)
Another term that has emerged as a winner is Customer Experience (CX) where a safe travel experience is the need of the hour. The right experience starts with transparency, and travel operators, hotels and restaurants must be completely transparent about their offerings and experience delivered.

In addition to the aforementioned points, the emergence of innovative technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Robotics, Internet of things (IoT), Voice-based experience, Personalization, Recognition technology, among others will play a vital role in defining the future of travel and tourism post-pandemic. To cover every technology here will be beyond the scope of the article, but it is noteworthy that every bit of innovation, as part of the travel business model, will increase the prospects of a safe and secure travel. Equally important is the right tech adoption by the different stakeholders for a specific travel related function or experience. If you’re searching for the right travel agency in Coimbatore , then make sure you follow the above actionable tips for optimized travel experience.

Must Read: COVID Hotel Crisis – How to Prepare For the Future

Same Day Flight Booking During Covid-19

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Due to the recent global pandemic there has been a wide impact on the travel sector at a global level and there has been reluctance in travelling by people all over the world. And while, staying put and not travelling is the safest thing to do right now, as long as you protect yourself while travelling or while inside the plane by following standard Covid-19 protocol you will safeguard yourself from the virus. Do check  8 Countries with that have No Covid Cases

In terms of flights and booking tickets amidst the pandemic, every airline has certain guidelines to be strictly followed by the passengers on board. The procedure of same day flight booking during Covid-19 pandemic is the same as ever. There aren’t any new ways or procedure per say, but there are some certain rules to be followed while making a ticket purchase during Covid-19.

Flight booking during Covid-19 pandemic is the same as always, you can either book it online or get in touch with travel agents. But while booking, you are required to fill up certain declarations and show proof that you do not have the virus and that you are not showing any symptoms or signs. Also know these Practical Tips for Your Trip while Traveling Alone

Flight booking in Covid-19 pandemic can prove to be a lot easier as compared to other days. Since there isn’t much travel going on, you can easily get a flight the same day. Just make sure you do not exceed the deadline of last minute booking.

Must Know: Domestic Flight Travel Experience During The COVID-19 Pandemic

If you choose to book a one way ticket but decide to come back on the same day during the pandemic, you can get in touch with the airline for available tickets or you can get it booked through your phone or laptop. Just make sure that you have been keeping yourself protected by wearing a face mask and gloves the entire time while in the new city or place.

The vaccine for the virus is available in almost all countries as of now so before any flight it is recommended to be vaccinated if possible to make sure you are safe and protected and also to make it easier for you and the workers and TSA agents at the airport. Must Read: 5 Fun Stuff to Do with Family During The Covid-19 Lockdown

There are some basic guidelines that need to be followed by every passenger during the pandemic. Here are some pointers:
• You must avoid touching your face, mouth and avoid contact with others.
• Use alcohol based sanitizers and wash your hands on regular intervals.
• Maintain the appropriate distance of at least 3 feet while standing in a queue or from people who are showing symptoms of it.
• If you’re feeling even slightly unwell it’s best if you cancel the flight and stay indoors and isolate yourself.
• Make sure you maintain a healthy respiratory system as it is vital that your respiratory hygiene is crucial during the pandemic.

Government officials and authorities all over the world have put up protective guidelines at the airport to ensure the safety of travellers and passengers to protect them. So it is very crucial the you follow these guidelines strictly at all cost. Now you can do Flight Ticket Bookings in India Now with Amazon

Must Read: How Will Travel Change After the Downturn of Coronavirus

Domestic Flight Travel Experience During The COVID-19 Pandemic

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Near the end of 2020, we watched with bated breath as flights picked up again.

Journalists, influencers, and first-time Youtubers all set out to document what was a frightening thought—flying between cities amid the pandemic. However, as time went by and we better understood the virus, Indians optimistically renewed their interest in flights. Recreational travel rose side-by-side, as short weekend getaways grew wildly popular in the form of road trips and solo drives.

Unfortunately, in mid-2021, strict COVID restrictions have returned. And with them, travel has returned to a need-only basis. Booking a flight ticket remains the first—and for many, the only—option to cover long distances in an emergency. But there’s one elephant in the room that everybody wants answered… Do check  8 Countries with that have No Covid Cases

Is Flying Actually Safe Right Now?
It’s definitely the safest option compared to other modes of transport. Airline seats are strictly assigned, and most states have implemented rigid safety precautions—including carrying negative RT-PCR test reports–for passengers travelling on domestic flights. And do check these Practical Tips for Your Trip while Traveling Alone

When it comes to circulation on your plane, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that today’s flight cabins are fitted with HEPA filtration systems, which provide a constant, sterile, and particle-free air supply on board.

HEPA, or the High Efficiency Particulate Air filter, possesses between 85 to 95 per cent efficiency in capturing airborne bacteria and viruses. “This normally provides between 15 to 20 cubic feet of total air supply per minute per person in economy class,” confirms the IATA.

Combined with a rule on wearing face coverings on aircrafts, this considerably reduces the chances of an asymptomatic COVID patient transmitting viral particles to passengers seated nearby.

What Happens Before Boarding?
Before making any flight bookings, passengers are advised to check their destination’s COVID-19 travel guidelines. This helps determine what’s required for your journey, as mandatory documents can include negative test reports, custom e-passes, and even vaccination certificates.

For any other queries about transit from your origin state, it’s advisable to contact your destination’s COVID Control Room. Their helpline numbers can be found online.

Once you’ve confirmed that your trip can proceed as planned, go ahead and book your tickets. Now you can do Flight Ticket Bookings in India Now with Amazon

Post That, Stay Mindful Of the Following:
Airlines have put a cap on luggage—in most cases, you’re now allowed only one piece of check-in baggage and one carry-on. Before reaching the terminal (and this should be much earlier than usual!), conduct a web check-in using the PNR generated for your flight ticket, and select your seat.

Continuing the contactless measures, you also have to fill health declarations as applicable to your airline and destination, and download and register yourself on the Aarogya Setu app. It must mark your status as ‘safe’ (green) to be allowed entry into the airport.

Airlines are also requesting passengers to print their baggage tags during the web check-in, and to attach it at a prominent spot on their bags before placing it at the baggage drop.

During this entire time—from terminal to shuttle bus to aircraft—be cautious of avoiding close contact with other passengers while waiting in line.

Passengers are given PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kits right before boarding. These comprise wraparound gowns (for those in the middle seats), a face shield, and a three-layered face mask. Once at the boarding gate, self-scan your e-boarding pass before moving ahead.

Thermal screenings will happen at multiple checkpoints. If you’re asymptomatic in one, but show a higher temperature later, you will not be allowed to board your plane.

Must Read: 5 Fun Stuff to Do with Family During The Covid-19 Lockdown

Anti-Viral Safety Precautions by Domestic Airlines
International flights to and from India have been suspended by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation till May 31, 2021.

However, this does not include countries that have established air bubble arrangements with India, or other government-approved flights.

Until then, here’s what our major domestic carriers—IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir, Vistara, Air India, Air India Express, and AirAsia India—have rolled out to ensure a worry-free flight experience:

• Airport touchpoints like check-in counters, kiosks, gate areas and the baggage drop are being disinfected.
• Social distancing is being maintained for safety while waiting in line at the boarding gate and inside cabins.
• The ground staff at check-in counters and boarding gates wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) which include masks, gloves, and shoe covers.
• The air inside Airbus cabins refreshes every 3 minutes, and flows only from the top to the bottom.
• High-touch aircraft surfaces like tray tables, seat belt buckles, overhead nozzles, galleys, arm rests and restrooms are cleansed and disinfected regularly.
• The cabin and cockpit is disinfected and fumigated thoroughly.
In-flight meals have also been suspended by the Ministry of Civil Aviation for every domestic flight with a travel time of less than two hours. Tea, coffee, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages served across all classes will only be provided in disposable cans or single-use disposable units.

Practicing Personal Responsibility Is Key
It would definitely dampen the mood if you find yourself as a source for community transmission.

For face coverings, double-masking—the use of a three-layered cloth mask over a surgical mask—has been recommended by experts as the best way to reduce the expelling or inhaling of airborne particles.

To keep those around you safe, you should also carry tissues and alcohol-based sanitizers in your hand baggage. After using either, avoid touching your face or fiddling with high-contact surfaces.

If you want to sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Discard it immediately after use, and wash your hands. If a tissue isn’t available, sneeze into your flexed elbow, and sanitize afterwards.

If you feel unwell at the airport or inside the cabin, seek medical help. Common coronavirus symptoms to watch out for are fever, dry cough, a sore throat, tiredness, a sudden rash, muscle pain, and problems in breathing.

We all need a bit of entertainment on a long flight. But right now, it’s best to avoid unnecessary interaction with other passengers, or touching any in-flight magazines and menus. Most airlines will have removed these items anyway, so carry everything you need to keep yourself occupied.

Try a good book, plug into a podcast, or catch up on your favorite TV series.

Make sure it’s not a nail-biter, just this once!

Must Read: How Will Travel Change After the Downturn of Coronavirus

COVID Hotel Crisis – How to Prepare For the Future

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“Written by: Siddharth Goenka, MD Octave Hotels & Founder, Aiosell Technologies“

The hospitality and tourism industries have been particularly hard hit by the Covid Crisis, and the dust will take a long time to settle. Since vacationing is a basic human need, leisure hotels within easy driving distance of major cities have recovered the fastest. Furthermore, since international travel has come to a complete halt, even the luxury segment of vacation destinations has seen a surge in unanticipated demand.

Business hotels, on the other hand, have taken the brunt of the damage, and estimating the extent of the damage is exceedingly difficult. With video conferencing and widespread adoption of the work-from-home model, most businesses (large and small) have reduced business travel (especially to urban centers) to less than half of pre-covid levels. The irony is that business hotels accounted for 70% of total hospitality room availability, and the majority of these hotels are facing an existential crisis due to a lack of customers and income.

Related Post: How Will Travel Change After the Downturn of Coronavirus

How are hotels reacting to the tsunami? Hotels may have no choice but to reinvent themselves and think beyond the box in this modern world. Every disaster brings an opportunity, and those who can swim against the current can reach the shores safely. I’ll try to share some suggestions in this article on what hotel owners can do better and how they can weather the storm.

The three foundations of the fundamental tectonic shift that will emerge for hotels as a result of this crisis are productivity, automation, and technology. Hotels can be compared to vast mega-factories with machinery and employees working long hours in shifts to produce production. Hoteliers may soon experience their own “Toyota” moment, similar to how ideas like “lean manufacturing” and “just in time production” radically changed the manufacturing industry.

Since profit can no longer be taken for granted, hotels would need to follow similar principles that concentrate on sales and cost efficiencies. To shed our extra flab and reduce spare inventory and wastages, fixed costs would need to be converted to variable costs. To optimize performance while minimizing input while maintaining guest satisfaction, we’ll need to use the right combination of machines, manpower, technology, and automation. We’ll have to make tough decisions on which business units to keep and which to shut down.

Hotels would need to carefully prepare their manpower strategy, taking into account the potential for automation in each department. There would be a downward trend in staff-to-room ratios, with a focus on doing ‘more’ with ‘less.’ Reservations and back-office teams that perform routine clerical tasks can be reduced by implementing automated reservation systems and chatbots that are connected to integrated all-in-one systems that handle all aspects of the hotel, including operations, marketing, and guest experience management.

Big, clumsy IT departments in hotels will be replaced by centralized cloud-based automated systems, which will reduce the need for backup and maintenance on a regular basis. Using new sophisticated technologies, core functions such as sales management, CRM, and online delivery can be centralized and automated, resulting in increased efficiency and yields. Through incorporating B2B marketplaces where vendors and consumers can transact directly, large sales and marketing departments that serve corporations and travel agents can be reduced.

Many hotels will need to rethink ancillary business units like restaurants, bars, spas, and gyms that have high operating costs and don’t pass the profitability litmus test. It could be more cost-effective to outsource these functions or withdraw them entirely from the product portfolio. Room service, concierge facilities, travel desk, and check-in-check-out can all be automated with the help of smartphones, tablets, kiosks, and AI-based technology to improve performance. Instead of large centralized units with high fixed costs, energy costs such as electricity and water can be reduced by using IOT devices and energy saving instruments that operate on a “use as you need” basis.

Related Article: 8 Countries That Have No COVID-19 Cases

Hotels would need to set themselves apart from the competition by assembling a lean, productive team capable of and guest satisfaction by incentivizing employees based on feedback and ratings.

The growth of online business will continue to benefit hotels by replacing fixed acquisition costs (large sales teams) with variable costs such as digital marketing. While OTAs will continue to dominate the market, hotels will concentrate their efforts on direct booking platforms, such as their own websites and booking engines, in order to cut distribution costs. Short-term valuation boosts will no longer be considered a measure for performance, so some OTAs will implement continuous discounting schemes to gain market share. This could lead to market maturity and a more equitable distribution of market share across online platforms. Meta-search networks, such as Google, will receive special attention because they will be able to guide consumer traffic directly to hotel websites instead of paying high commissions to OTAs.

Instead of chasing outlandish bets that follow a herd mentality of super-natural development, banks, PE and VC funds can pursue projects that are more sustainable, scalable, and profitable. For new ventures, asset light models such as revenue share and management contracts would be more common than outright purchase or lease models. Because of the industry’s decreased profitability, new supply will not flood the market, as new projects will be shelved or converted to less volatile asset classes. Hotels that survive the crisis may emerge as winners because they will be the last men standing when the crisis is over and returns are demanded.

For the hospitality industry, Covid-19 would be a landmark moment. Rather than writing the industry’s obituaries, we should use this opportunity to regroup, reconsider, and reset. Every crisis always produces winners, and now is our chance to “jump the Rubicon” and write our own stories.

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Goa Disaster Management Authority Guidelines for Janmashtami Celebrations

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Janmashtami is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated with a great pomp in India. People typically celebrate this festival by visiting Krishna or Vishnu temples, taking part in Dahi Handi celebrations, organizing local cultural events, preparing, and sharing special food, as well as praying together. These celebrations, however, shall be a bit different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The COVID-19 outbreak, as well as the lockdown and social distancing measures taken to curb it, will have a considerable impact on the 2020 Janmashtami celebrations that are to be held on 11th August. Government bodies, temple administrations, and other organizations across the nation are taking steps to ensure public safety amidst the festivities and have set certain regulations to ensure the maintenance of the important social distancing rules.

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The Goa Disaster Management Authority or GDMA is among the organizations that have issued a host of mandatory guidelines that are to be followed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic amidst the Janmashtami celebrations. Here are the salient points of these guidelines:

● The local markets shall be constantly monitored by the relevant bodies during the Janmashtami festivities. The markets where festival-related goods are being sold shall be specially monitored both by local bodies and police to see to the fact that social distancing rules are being followed there.
● The Goa police force must be on regular duty on Janmashtami to make sure that the necessary social distancing norms are followed.
● Dahi Handi celebrations, as well as any other type of social or religious gatherings in the district taking place due to Janmashtami have been banned by the state government.
● The authorities have reportedly asked the shop owners of the state to keep their sale timings long and staggered to avoid crowding.
● All people stepping out of their homes during Janmashtami have been told to abide by the basic social distancing rules, use hand-wash and sanitizers, as well as wear a face covering.

Related Article: How Will Travel Change After the Downturn of Coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the whole world within a few months and impacted almost every facet of life, including how people celebrate diverse festivals. To reduce the spread of this infectious disease, it is crucial that people follow these important guidelines and rules, even during festivities.

Must Read: Ganesha Chaturthi In Goa – The Celebration Of Good Beginnings

5 Fun Stuff to Do with Family During The Covid-19 Lockdown

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It can get quite tiresome, if not downright nerve-racking, to have all this ‘free time’ on your hands during this unprecedented home quarantine. Hobbies, studies, and work can only take up so much time, which brings you to family. If you are one of the many people ‘stuck’ indoors with family members, stay safe and make the most of it instead of unwittingly creating real life episodes filled with drama, loose words, and fights galore.

1. Wordplay

There are several different games under this category. Anything from scrabble and memory-based choices to even Antakshari.
• Spelling games are a great way for parents to keep their little ones sharp-minded while at the same time entertained.
• Board games are an exceptional visual ‘classroom’ where you can play and teach at the same time.
• Game recommendations include Memory Match, Scrabble, The Letter Game, Coffeepot, Three Word Superheroes, Once Upon A Word, and Ghost.
Remember, these are FAMILY games, meaning you take one hour out of your ‘eternal’ stay home schedule and spend time with your partner and kids. This ensures ideal team-making ventures as well as encouraging your children to participate in these word games. After all, if the parents don’t care so much for it, why should they; or so the kiddos will be inclined to think.

2. Movies / Shows

This is an evergreen choice, what with the rise in Netflix streaming and other online and TV options so obviously available.
• You are anyway going to ‘kill’ time watching something or other, so why not enjoy a movie or show with family instead. It will be a great way to bond, as well as something fun to do together during this home quarantine.
• You must make sure that you choose family-conscious entertainment.
If it is something the kids will like more than you or your partner would, give in to the notion and choose that. Kids need more stimuli at his time than adults.

Also Read: 5 Ways to Keep Kids Happy During Coronavirus Lockdown

3. Virtual Tours

Many such options are available online. It seems everyone is the ‘stay home, stay safe’ types these days, including tour providers.
• All you need do is google the place you want to visit via a virtual tour, and it’s all uphill from there.
• Your whole family can learn something fascinating, and the thrills (if the reviews are anything to go by) are well worth it.
Again, choose locations that everyone in the family would like to ‘visit’.

4. Karaoke Night

Recreate the popular entertainment option at home!
• Choose a playlist by taking a handful of preferred titles from each of your kids, your partner, and then yourself.
• You may need to keep a computer screen at hand so everyone can see the lyrics.
Now, here’s the tricky part, try not to give the neighbors cause to register a noise complaint. That said, enjoy some beautiful family karaoke before home quarantine dinner. Singing (good or bad) sure works up an appetite.

5. Work Exchange Employee


This is a nifty original idea to try at home with family during the COVID-19 lockdown.

• You do each other’s tasks for a day. Someone else cooks, another does the laundry; one of the parents can help the other complete some work-from-home tasks; that last is shared because it is too important to approach as a game.
• Get creative. Try sleeping in different rooms, for a change. This, too, falls under the ‘exchange’ concept. You can also try ‘camping’ in the living room, minus the bonfire, of course.
Remember: Stay home, stay SAFE.

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