I got a message from Mr Olemu, a freelance tour guide and high school teacher at Ibadan, Nigeria, and a member of the West African Tour Guide Association Nigeria Chapter. He wrote, "How do we revitalize tourism enterprises after covid-19?". This is one important question on the mind of every tourism and hospitality practitioners from around the world and the answer in my opinion is not farfetched.
I doubt if there is anyone who don't know that there is an economic recession at the moment in every country. This untoward economic hur-rah affects both the rich and poor in it's character. Every country either big or small is affected and it will take a while for situations to return to normalcy.
International travel may take longer to kick off as the aftermath of covid-19 will result to temporary stigmatization, reorganization and countries which used to enjoy large influx of tourists like Italy, France, etc. will record very low patronage from both local and international tourists "but for a moment", and it should be known that the government of these countries won't sleep on it.
African countries like Nigeria may be worst hit. Apart from what may be the aftermath of the evil pandemic (covid-19), what had been the initial state of tourism infrastructures, development and participation or response of government at all level; local, state and federal government toward the industry? What development has government policies ever brought to tourism and hospitality as a profession?
If the previous government policies have not helped to develop the tourism proffession, what position will the tourism industry and it's practitioners be on the mind of policy makers and on the lists of various measures to uplift the economy of the country as a result of covid-19?
As everyone practices social distancing, and are trying to stay safe, tourism enterpreneurs are greatly affected and are out of work. They are among the hardest hit. The UNWTO recognizes that millions of tourism proffessionals will be out of jobs and as a result encouraged countries, groups and individuals to come to the aid of the tourism industry workers by assisting with palliatives that will ease the economic needs of tourism enterprises and it's practitioners.
To answer Mr. Olemu's question, we should be sincere to ourselves and acknowledge the fact that it would take a while for world economy to find it's bearing or balance again. How long? We may not be able to predict "how long this will be", untill the defeat of the evil corona virus. My suggestions are practical and these steps will give the populace hope to experience and visit tourism and hospitality businesses again.
Firstly, I will suggest that practitioners of tourism and hospitality businesses should continue to promote domestic tourism. A big thump-Up to the different tourism associations, groups, individuals, companies and businesses, that have been promoting domestic tourism through the years in Nigeria despite the lack of an enabling environment, yet, everyone remained undeterred.
Tourism workers should be recognized as they portray the positive image of the country to the outside world and orientate the citizens by showcasing the beautiful heritages, and attraction sites around the country and encourages Nigerians to visit these monuments too. Today, the practitioners should work more on creative domestic tourism promotion because that is where the patronage lies for now. That is the cliche where the patronage of their businesses will come from.
Covid-19 characteristics, such as social distancing, the use of face masks, etc. Should be encouraged in the promotion and adhered to by every tourism practitioners or workers.
Secondly, I will advice the owners of tourist products such as museums, zoos, amusement parks, galleries, conservation centres, gardens, cinemas, beaches, heritage sites, resorts, etc., tour organizers and tour guides to encourage visitors to visit without charging the normal fees but make payments affordable for the visitors, for the upkeep of the business and staffs.
Thirdly, sensitization and creative events could be organized at tourism centres or sites or at places close to them to draw people's attention to the reopening of tourism businesses and and the education of safety measures introduced to protect both visitors and tourism workers.
With economic downturn triggered by covid-19 effects, three things should be considered. People will be more concerned about food, safety, and anxiety to visit places they have missed visiting (or have never visited) because of the days or months of lockdown.
To encourage patronage of tourist products, as prices of items have since doubled, tourism enterpreneurs should consider the peoples financial stand which may prevent visitors patronage by providing incentives that will prompt tourists to pick tour tickets, travel again, join a travelling group or pay attraction fees as it is hoped that events will normalize in the country. Above all, the safety of travellers should be ensured and enforced.
anago.tourism@gmail.com
I doubt if there is anyone who don't know that there is an economic recession at the moment in every country. This untoward economic hur-rah affects both the rich and poor in it's character. Every country either big or small is affected and it will take a while for situations to return to normalcy.
International travel may take longer to kick off as the aftermath of covid-19 will result to temporary stigmatization, reorganization and countries which used to enjoy large influx of tourists like Italy, France, etc. will record very low patronage from both local and international tourists "but for a moment", and it should be known that the government of these countries won't sleep on it.
African countries like Nigeria may be worst hit. Apart from what may be the aftermath of the evil pandemic (covid-19), what had been the initial state of tourism infrastructures, development and participation or response of government at all level; local, state and federal government toward the industry? What development has government policies ever brought to tourism and hospitality as a profession?
If the previous government policies have not helped to develop the tourism proffession, what position will the tourism industry and it's practitioners be on the mind of policy makers and on the lists of various measures to uplift the economy of the country as a result of covid-19?
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| Anago Osho at The Slave House, Porto Seguro |
To answer Mr. Olemu's question, we should be sincere to ourselves and acknowledge the fact that it would take a while for world economy to find it's bearing or balance again. How long? We may not be able to predict "how long this will be", untill the defeat of the evil corona virus. My suggestions are practical and these steps will give the populace hope to experience and visit tourism and hospitality businesses again.
 |
| Anago Osho and historical Sato drummers after a performance |
Firstly, I will suggest that practitioners of tourism and hospitality businesses should continue to promote domestic tourism. A big thump-Up to the different tourism associations, groups, individuals, companies and businesses, that have been promoting domestic tourism through the years in Nigeria despite the lack of an enabling environment, yet, everyone remained undeterred.
Tourism workers should be recognized as they portray the positive image of the country to the outside world and orientate the citizens by showcasing the beautiful heritages, and attraction sites around the country and encourages Nigerians to visit these monuments too. Today, the practitioners should work more on creative domestic tourism promotion because that is where the patronage lies for now. That is the cliche where the patronage of their businesses will come from.
Covid-19 characteristics, such as social distancing, the use of face masks, etc. Should be encouraged in the promotion and adhered to by every tourism practitioners or workers.
Secondly, I will advice the owners of tourist products such as museums, zoos, amusement parks, galleries, conservation centres, gardens, cinemas, beaches, heritage sites, resorts, etc., tour organizers and tour guides to encourage visitors to visit without charging the normal fees but make payments affordable for the visitors, for the upkeep of the business and staffs.
Thirdly, sensitization and creative events could be organized at tourism centres or sites or at places close to them to draw people's attention to the reopening of tourism businesses and and the education of safety measures introduced to protect both visitors and tourism workers.
With economic downturn triggered by covid-19 effects, three things should be considered. People will be more concerned about food, safety, and anxiety to visit places they have missed visiting (or have never visited) because of the days or months of lockdown.
To encourage patronage of tourist products, as prices of items have since doubled, tourism enterpreneurs should consider the peoples financial stand which may prevent visitors patronage by providing incentives that will prompt tourists to pick tour tickets, travel again, join a travelling group or pay attraction fees as it is hoped that events will normalize in the country. Above all, the safety of travellers should be ensured and enforced.
anago.tourism@gmail.com
Anago James Akeem Osho Adventures