Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the world of travel has
undergone some drastic changes. From the emergence of new health and safety
protocols to the introduction of digital technologies, the way we travel has
drastically evolved in a short period of time. Lets take a look at how travel
has changed since COVID-19 and how these changes have both improved and impeded
the traveller’s experience.
In the age of COVID-19, travellers have been presented with
a range of new health and safety protocols designed to ensure their safety
during their trip. Airlines have implemented the mandatory wearing of face
masks while flying, while hotels and other hospitality businesses are requiring
guests to complete health check forms before they are allowed to stay. Many
companies have also implemented new cleaning and sanitization protocols, such
as deep cleaning guest rooms and other public areas, providing personal
protective equipment to their staff and implementing temperature checks at the
entrance of premises.
These protocols have not only impacted travellers directly
but have also led to a number of changes in the booking and planning processes.
Airlines and hospitality businesses now offer customers the option to cancel
their bookings free of charge or to rebook for a later date with no additional
charges. In addition, many companies now offer contactless check-in and payment
options, allowing customers to avoid queues and remain socially distanced
during their travels.
The use of digital technologies has also become increasingly
commonplace in the travel industry since COVID-19. Digital solutions such as
virtual tours, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial
intelligence (AI) have been implemented to enhance the customer’s experience and
provide them with a more personalized and interactive experience. AI chat-bots
and virtual assistants are being used to help travellers find their way around
their destination, while virtual reality is being used to provide customers
with a 360-degree view of their destination before they even arrive.
However, the emergence of new health and safety protocols
and the use of digital technologies have not been without their drawbacks. Some
customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the mandatory wearing of face
masks while flying, filling up extra forms, citing that it is uncomfortable,
time taking and unpleasant. In addition many of the new digital technologies
are expensive to implement and require a significant investment in resources,
making them inaccessible to smaller businesses. Furthermore, the use of digital
technologies has also created a number of privacy and security issues as
personal data is being collected and shared with third parties.
Despite the changes brought about by COVID-19, travel has
been able to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of its customers. The
implementation of new health and safety protocols has enabled customers to
travel with peace of mind knowing that their safety is being taken seriously.
The use of digital technologies has opened up a range of new opportunities for travellers,
allowing them to explore their destination like never before. As we move into
the future, it is likely that the travel industry will continue to evolve to
meet the changing needs of its customers.
