2020 has been a grim year for the wider economy, but certain sectors have felt the impact of the lockdown restrictions more keenly than others. Among the worst sufferers has been the tourism industry, which relies on the confidence of consumers willing to travel to far-flung destinations.
How badly has tourism been affected?
The picture for the travel industry is a grim one. Industry insiders paint a picture of an entire year being written off. In response to the slump in demand, ferries and airliners are being forced to rapidly downscale. As well as dealing with tumbling demand, operators must also ensure that their services are safe – which tends to mean spacing passengers further apart, mandating the use of masks, and providing hand sanitizer to everyone. These measures, to some extent or other, make the entire business a great deal less profitable than it otherwise might be.
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In late July, the Foreign Office placed restrictions on travel to and from Spain and Portugal. In August, this list grew to encompass France, Malta, Monaco and the Netherlands. Passengers returning from these destinations must quarantine themselves for a total of fourteen days. Consequently, employers are not eager to allow their employees to make the trip there. These are not conditions under which any industry can thrive.
Are staycations helping boost tourism?
While international tourism has been brought to a screeching halt, there is reason to believe that many British holidaymakers are spending their leisure time in Britain. May saw a marked uptick in the demand for caravans and motorhomes, and many are looking to invest in holiday homes.
Park Holidays is an online business specialising in static caravans and holiday homes. They report a huge spike in interest in holiday homeownership. “We are staggered by the level of interest from people keen to buy their very own holiday home,” a representative said. “Sales during the last three weeks have been almost double that of the previous year and the demand is still strong. We believe the combination of health risks, the expense and hassle of overseas travel and uncertainty around Brexit has highlighted the appeal of caravan and lodge ownership at a holiday park. Being able to jump in your car and be on holiday in an hour or two whenever you choose is very appealing to people who have been locked down for several months.”
