M. Sigala: "Tourism will be very difficult to return"

Tourism and travel in general is the industry that has suffered the most from this pandemic, which has now turned into an economic crisis and is spreading faster than the virus itself, says Marianna Sigala, a professor of tourism at the University of South Australia.

Marianna Sigala is a Professor of Tourism at the Business School of the University of South Australia. Source: Supplied

One of the areas most affected by the pandemic is tourism. According to Marianna Sigala, a professor of tourism at the University of South Australia, unfortunately or fortunately, even if the vaccine is found, the whole situation will leave a mark on how the industry works and the way we travel.

Tourism will be very difficult to return in the coming months and even more difficult will it ever return to the levels of 2019.

Marianna Sigala Professor of Tourism - University of South Australia Source: Supplied

According to professor Sigala, in addition to the various restrictions that exist, concerning where one can travel, we will also see restrictions or obstacles to whether one can have the money to travel. "Too many companies will falter, from airlines, cruise ships, low cost hotels. Travel, accommodation, restaurants, events will be much more expensive. In terms of cost or supply. But also when someone is at their destination and going out. outside to share an experience with someone else, a dinner, a concert, a drink. We will have this stress of continuing to keep our distance, with the waiter, with the person next to us at the concert, with the friend, with family".

"The fear will not go away until the vaccine arrives. I don't see the vaccine coming at least in time or next year," she warned.

Fear of our own lives and social distancing, she believes, will leave a residue that translates into psychological distance. The longer this situation lasts and the longer we experience it, the more remnants it will leave. In addition, it has developed "nationalist" sentiments in different states and countries, professor Sigala said.

As for whether Australia keeps the borders closed for protection or to keep the currency in the country, Ms. Sigala believes that not only Australia, but also many countries that close their borders do so for both reasons. Mainly for protection, but also to keep tourism domestic.

Source: AAP/Aris Messinis

However, cases such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey are different, she says. "The largest percentage of tourism is coming in, so if they don't open up the economy and say 'we opened and we're waiting for you, we're ready and we're destination covid free, there's no hope," said the tourism professor at the University of South Australia.

Ms. Sigala then suggests solutions for how tourism businesses can adapt to the new pandemic data. Small changes that can keep a tourism business alive.

Listen to the full interview with Marianna Sigala, professor of tourism at the University of South Australia, by clicking play on the podcast that accompanies the top photo.