Imagine waking up one morning, excited to rush to your favorite workplace to discharge your duties, and then all of a sudden, you realize you are sitting there all alone, with dwindling signs for any reprieve or business any time soon. This has been the case in most tour and travel companies across the nation, and Across Africa Tours & Travel is a no exception, thanks to the negative impacts of COVID -19 in the Tourism Industry and related companies.
This effect has personally paralyzed my operations as they cut across our main activities. There has been a large scale cancellation of existing bookings followed by a sharp decrease in new bookings.
The recent curfew has worsened the situation by both restricting inter-county travels as well as reducing the number of business hours. Also, due to the high infection rates and nature of infections, guests are skeptical about leaving their homes to live alone, traveling to adventure, or for fun. These effects have had a direct negative impact on our income and that of our immediate dependants. The spiraling effects of the challenges have emotionally drained many, and I can only hope against hope that things will fall in place soon.
COVID-19: The Evolving Impacts on Tourism and Travel Agents
In recent months, the negative impacts of coronavirus on vulnerable industries such as hospitality, manufacturing, tourism, and travel have been escalating, putting millions of jobs at risk. In Africa, about 20 million jobs are at risk, according to a study, the African Union (AU).
Most Africans continue to have sleepless nights. Besides, renowned tours and travel agents like Across Africa Tours & Travel, among others, have also not been spared. A survey conducted on 443 Safari Tour Operators recently revealed that there is up to a 90% drop in new bookings, large scale cancellation of existing bookings followed by a sharp decrease in new bookings.
Even after the outbreak is controlled, experts estimate that the sector would barely normalize within 10 months.
Is there any more hope for the most affected Africans? Yes, you guessed it right. Across Africa Tours & Travel has opened a charity foundation ‘Across Africa Foundation’ where well-wishers will channel their help to the most vulnerable. Wouldn’t you want to save a life with your donation?