Let's Feel Good For a Minute
A Deep Breath of Fresh Air
As we’re well into week nine of COVID-madness, I figured it’s high time to grace your inboxes with some feel-good news.
This newsletter is dedicated to insider updates, and though I’m starting with the good of it all, I will forewarn you that I decided to include a dose of reality toward the end. For now, let's start with the positive hook: I’ve rounded up a few companies, brands and individuals shining a light during these very dark times, supporting the travel industry in the best way they can and reminding us what travel is about at its core: bringing people together.
The Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation partnered with international agencies to invest in an online training program for tourism workers impacted by COVID-19, free of charge. “The Caribbean is the most tourism dependent region in the world and tourism accounts for nearly 11 percent of global GDP. In the case of Jamaica, we are very proud that the program has been so well-received by our hospitality workers. There is no better time than now for them to retool and upskill,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett.
The American Hotel and Lodging Association launched their #TakeMeBack campaign this week to “encourage individuals to remember their favorite hotel visits and travel experiences.” The aim is to maintain the allure of hotel’s throughout the world, so after re-opening, travelers have a wide inspiration of properties. Get involved by sharing one of your favorite hotel stays on Instagram with the hashtag #TakeMeBack.
With hotels closing and flights cancelled, the effects of COVID-19 on the travel industry were immediate and blatant. Something I certainly didn’t think of, though, was the impact on fragile environments. The Bushcamp Company in Zambia and Wilderness Safaris throughout Africa put this disheartening factoid on my radar: Due to the lack of guests, game drives have halted in the majority of national parks, encouraging an increase in poaching. Both companies are expanding anti-poaching patrols during this time, and The Bushcamp Company is continuing to support the local communities of Mfuwe and South Luangwa, while paying staff full-time salary.
Walks Tours continues to advocate and educate with virtual tours of international cities, interactive cooking classes and tours of iconic landmarks. Checkout their full calendar of events as part of their Spotlight Series here.
The Leading Hotels of the World properties stepped up to the plate to offer direct assistance to their communities, from Italian properties like Hotel Santa Caterina, Le Sirenuse and Palazzo Avino pledging their support to fund a campaign for leading medical institutes to find an effective vaccine, to Switzerland’s Hotel Eden Roc employees and their families delivering groceries and medications for high-risk individuals without any physical contact to their doorsteps.
Overseas Leisure Group is offering Carefree Bookings to encourage travelers to start planning their next getaway without fear of cancellation fees. The initiative is applicable to bookings in more than 1000 destinations, doesn’t require a deposit and runs until October 31st.
Rosewood Hotel Group established a relief fund called Rosewood Raise to support local communities affected by COVID-19. From grants to complimentary accommodations for hotel workers, as well as meal delivery, the fund is consistently accepting donations if you’re able, and plans to remain in existence in case of future crises.
Aegean Tours created a fund to offer 100 healthcare workers the chance to join the Greek tour operator's Athens, Santorini and Folegandros tour for free once travel bans are lifted. This is a way to share your appreciation for healthcare workers across the globe. Donate here.
Now, as much as I’d like to turn a blind eye to the negative news, I feel it’s important to stay on top of the latest in my line of work. With countries reopening, the travel industry has now started to predict what the future landscape could look like. I’ve linked a few interesting articles below in case you’re interested too—I’m not saying I agree or disagree with any of them—I’ll let you form your own opinions:
2020 is a catastrophe for tourism businesses. Here's what the industry needs to get back on its feet
Future Air Travel: Four-Hour Process, Self Check-In, Disinfection, Immunity Passes
The Future of Travel: How the Industry Will Change After the Pandemic
How Will the Coronavirus Hit the Travel Industry?
Xo,
J