By RACHAEL GATHIGIA
When naming basic human needs, I can bet travel is somewhere at the top. Hello Abraham Maslow, I just need to talk about that hierarchy again. Oh! the possibilities and the opportunities that travel has revolutionized. Don’t just take it from me, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in 2019 published that the industry accounts for 10.4% of the world’s GPD. Travel is far ahead of other major sectors such as finance, technology and even health. While in a global pandemic that has affected each and every sector of our lives, travel has been severely hit and because of that, then, it trickles down to other industries that depend on it to thrive.
I was strolling through one of the largest retail supermarkets and I couldn’t find my favorite hair product, in fact I’ve already been to several at this point and have searched endlessly for a single product. There has been a steep plunge in the market as a result of the disruption of the global supply chains for manufacturers and retailers, due to the enforced lockdowns and other restriction measures to curb the Corona Virus. However, this also presents an opportunity for countries to look into their manufacturing industry and empower its citizens, through funds and easing of policies, in turn limiting the dependence on importation.
The leisure travel, tourism and hospitality industry is one of the most important economic engines. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), an estimated 20% of employment in the world is in the travel industry. At least two out of every five people are directly or indirectly earning their livelihood from the movement of people from point A to point B. Food, beverages, lodging, restaurants, taxis, events… any sort of recreation, the list is endless. How’s that for a giant?
Globalization and diplomatic relations have over the years encouraged studies abroad, employment in foreign countries and the possibility to relocate and settle in a different country. The result is that more and more people travel on a recurring basis.
Travel is such a diverse industry. It includes a lot of things you don’t think of. Even as the linchpin suffers its worst blow due to the pandemic, the travel industry remains a backbone to economic growth and development, nations’ revenue generator and an engine for cultural wealth. As we look forward to the post- pandemic season, we are already witnessing a relentless transformation of the industry. From adaptation of paperless transactions, a surge in products that cater to WHO’s health guidelines e.g. private rentals as opposed to resorts for social distancing reasons, remote and domestic (drive-to) destinations, embracing Artificial Intelligence technology… the travel industry is at the forefront in taking up these emerging trends hence moving
forward.
