Has the travel industry started reviving after COVID?

When the first lockdown was announced in 2020, families were terrified and totally paused their travel plans. But after getting past the second lockdown in 2021, people have now started making travel plans to meet family and friends or maybe just enjoy a staycation.

Newspaper reports suggest that many tourist destinations are witnessing increased bookings. There are some definite signs of revival in the travel industry, which we will discuss here.

The push and pull effect

10-year-old Aarav and his little sister Rashi yearn to meet their grandparents and cousins in Indore. They stay in Delhi, but really wish they could be in Mumbai. Abhinav was planning a monsoon retreat to Khandala with his college friends, but the lockdown acted as a spoilsport. The Mishras were an excited couple eager to visit Ranchi for their daughter’s first delivery. And last but not the least, Meeti and Manav were planning their dream trip to Ladakh, until the lockdown was announced.

All these travel plans had to be suppressed; but now the pent-up demand for travel is acting as a push factor and encouraging people to reconsider their travel plans.

On the other side, the hotel and tourism industry, which bore the brunt of the lockdown, is more than willing to welcome tourists. It has taken proactive steps of vaccinating staff and their families. Covid-appropriate behaviour and practices are being religiously followed amongst service providers. This is true especially in their kitchens. Improved hygiene being practised in retreats, resorts, and hotels is acting as a pull factor for the travel industry.

Covid safeguards

To remain in business, the travel industry is doing everything possible under the sun to follow Covid protocols and training its staff to follow the same. Most important amongst them is keeping abreast with the Government notifications and following them faithfully. 

Further, cleanliness of premises has assumed a top priority with better practices, frequent cleaning of public areas and touch points like lifts, reception desks etc. and installing sanitizers at short distances.

The personnel employed in the food and restaurant areas have been suitably trained to ensure the safety of food being served. For instance, guests are served at their table rather than the erstwhile practice of the buffet meals.

Logistics

Travel, these days, is planned to a location closer to home as people avoid using public transport. Families and friends prefer to travel by private vehicle. Taking a flight is also preferred as compared to the long-haul trains to reduce the exposure in public. These add to the precautions taken while planning travel in the post-Covid scenario.

These added precautions might drive up the cost of your planned trip. If finances aren’t favorable for a trip right now, you can consider getting a personal loan for travel.

Finances

Travel plans with friends and family are often spur-of-the-moment decisions in these times. However, people may not wish to lose the travel opportunity considering the uncertainty when the next lockdown may be imposed.

It is likely that you may be facing a liquidity crunch at the time when the travel plans are being finalized. In such cases, personal loans for travel can be a savior.  Personal loan interest rates start from 10.99% and offer flexible repayment terms.

With easy access to personal loans for travel, people can fund their impromptu travel plans. This is likely to give a fillip to the travel industry.

Conclusion

Travel gives relaxation, peace, and an escapade from the rigors of being stuck at home without any social life. The travel industry is expecting a recovery considering the government initiatives of vaccinating a large number of people. To encourage people, 25% to 50% discount is given to vaccinated people.  While the travel industry is reviving, you can procure a personal loan and enjoy a much-needed vacation with friends and family. Use the personal loan EMI calculator to check the loan eligibility and get going! 

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