IN THE COVID-19 TRENCHES
It’s a tragic situation for so many of the tourist spots that count on tourism to survive. Airlines and the cruise industry have also been decimated by the virus. Most cruise lines have canceled all cruises through June, so far, and some have canceled into September. Airlines are canceling flights all over the world due to no-fly orders. Billions of dollars are lost, but they will receive some help from the government to get back on their feet again. For the traveler, if they are in a position to plan and deposit for a trip in the distant future, there are some fabulous deals out there right now. All suppliers are offering great perks to book travel, and the prices are as low as they have ever been in years. Fortunately, these suppliers are offering the travelers a refund in most cases and in some situations a credit. I am unable to file for unemployment because I am an independent, so to speak. For me, I’m a retired teacher and my business is not my sole means of income and I’m not supporting a family, so I will financially be OK. I’m very sad for those in the travel industry who are losing their only income. Once this is over, I want to encourage all of you to get back into travel again as soon as possible. It’s not only good for our economy, but also for our mental health! Additionally, I hope that you continue to support small businesses like mine.
PATTI BUTLER has been an independent travel agent for InteleTravel for the past four years. COVID-19 has drastically reduced my sales since the second week in
March. In addition to not having any new bookings, many of my clients’ trips have been canceled by the airlines and resorts. A few of them have rescheduled their trips for later in the summer and early fall, but we really don’t know if travel will be open at that time. My commissions, which are paid by the suppliers, are based on completed trips... So I lose all potential commissions when my clients cancel.
My commissions, which are paid by the suppliers, are based on completed trips... So I lose all potential commissions when my clients cancel.
The virus has already radically changed the travel industry around the world. It’s a $15 billion industry... Everyone travels or they want to in the future, so this is devastating on both sides – the suppliers and the travelers. With economic insecurity, people are less likely to book trips for the near future, and the suppliers are losing billions of dollars as well. Many countries, such as Aruba, for example, are totally supported by the travel industry. They have no exports for revenue.
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April 2020
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