The unexpected outbreak of the COVID-19 virus shattered human lives. It affected all the fields especially it sabotaged the tourism field. We hodophiles celebrate September 27th as World Tourism Day to remind its importance in a hireling life. ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’ is the theme of 2021 World Tourism Day.
The past and future of any subject is closely related to its present. Hence, we should discuss it. So, the annals of history say that Thomas Cook, a man from the Western Europe invented modern tourism and later he came to be known as the father of tourism. There are different types of tourism like International tourism, Domestic tourism, Long distance tourism and Short distance tourism. Till the last decade people were ready to spend their money on traveling, entertainment, exploring etc. so this particular industry really helped in the economic growth of countries and it offered new jobs for the people.
Tourism improved the social, political and cultural understanding of people and personal international relations. From the expert research it has proven that the majority of the workers in this field were women. Developed, underdeveloped and developing countries competed in this field. But everything changed in a split second of time.
Coronavirus outbreak shook everyone in the world and affected all sectors. The change that the COVID-19 brought in the world contributed a disastrous effect on the tourism sector. People lost their jobs and the sudden fall of the sector made economic loss. The global restrictions on travel, fear of disease and complete lockdown paved the way for the decline of the tourism sector. It was the worst of times for the government, tour operators, travel agencies, craft workers and to the people who earned through tourism. Even the top tourist destinations like France, United States, China, Thailand etc. became a victim of covid-19 attack.
According to the reports, by 24 March 2020, the government of India suspended all tourist activities all over the country. Unfortunately, this decision had affected the third largest foreign exchange and the financial stability of the nation. In India it is Kerala tourism that affected the most. Other states in India reopened their tourist spots by undertaking all the measures. Kerala tourism is picking up itself from the great loss. Domestic tourism has almost revived its pre-corona stage.
The travelers are oppressing their temptation to go outbound and they are limiting their visits to the nearby spots. It’s because of their trust issues and financial problems. People have to show their vaccination certificates in many places and that itself is a boring procedure for the travelers. But the domestic solo travelers say that it was a comfortable time for them. They really enjoyed the new face of nature and the peaceful atmosphere. The students who completed and opted travel and tourism courses were also affected by the collapse of the tourism sector. The current situation of the tourism industry shows that both international and domestic tourism is in an unhealthy condition.
The government and the respected organizations have to take serious steps for the revival of this sector. There is a huge employment loss in this sector and we have to find an alternative job for those people. Through valid recovery strategies we can revive this sector. Like the authorities, let us hope for the inclusive growth of the tourism sector and the trauma created by the COVID-19 outbreak to end soon.
