Changing Paradigm and New Normal in Travel Sector

The tourism sector has always been adapting to the developments in both social and technology space since people have been traveling around from a long time. At this point of the present situation across the globe, people have yet again adapted to the changes that they are living with and is also going to stay among them for a long time.

COVID-19 has crippled the tourism industry, and it has been the worst hit industries of the economy across the world. Since governments across the world have announced complete lockdown with the outbreak of pandemic, tourism sector has come to standstill.

INTRESTING READ: Would the travel industry be the same post COVID-19?

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) intends to resume tourism industry and has released a package (Tourism Recovery Technical Assistance Package) for offering guidance in response to coronavirus outbreak. UNWTO stated that this package is structured around three important pillars which are- economic, promotional and institutional.

• The first pillar is related to the introduction of policies and other measures for stimulating the recovery in the economy of the tourism industry.
• For marketing and promotion, UNWTO advises to offer technical support for identification of markets to help increasing recovery, tackling diversification of product, as well as formulating marketing plans along with promotional activities.
• Institutional strengthening and resilience building, which is the third pillar of the package is mainly designed towards improving the partnership between public and private and promoting collective efforts for retrieval in the tourism sector, as well as enhancing skills in crisis management and recovery.

With the tourism industry amongst the most severely hit of all industries, the agency has recognised these three possible packages for the upcoming months. The agency also stated that international tourist arrivals could decline by 60-80% in 2020, depending on the lifting of travel restrictions.

Now the travel and airline industry would gradually speed up and recommence its business. In this article, we will acquaint you how one ASX and NZX listed air company would recommence flying with its new guidelines-

Air New Zealand Limited (ASX:AIZ) revealed that it will recommence flying operations with and disclosed some new restrictions and guidelines. The Company mentioned that it will be cleaning high touch surfaces on a frequent basis and would offer hand sanitiser across the airport, at its kiosks, service desks and planes.

The Airline also stated that the passengers will be encouraged to check-in through the app of the Company. At the airport, every second self-serve kiosk will be open to account for social distancing and boarding would be done by zones. The passengers in the flight would be spaced out with an empty seat between those who are flying alone.

Moreover, any food and beverages related services would not be allowed until at least May 25, with the airline also not providing its inflight magazine Kia Ora.

After landing the plane passengers would not be able to rush for luggage in the overhead lockers. Instead, they will be asked to stay seated until it is their turn to get off the plane.

And clearly, the Air New Zealand advises to avoid travel if anyone feels sick.

The Company provided few updates related to COVID-19 and safe travel-

Physical distancing between travelers

The Company disclosed that it is working as per the guidance of New Zealand’s government around social distancing by allocating seating to allow additional space around customers where possible. While the requirements of social distancing are still there, the airline would be allotting seating to allow a vacant seat between travelers who are alone.

Moreover, Air New Zealand highlighted that it would do its best for keeping families and some travelling companions together, so there would be some travelers who are sitting together without a vacant seat.

Inflight Services Changes

The Company disclosed that it is focussed towards the health and wellbeing of its employees and passengers, hence it has made some temporary changes to the service offering on board. The following changes have been done for keeping the staff and customers safe-

• For NZ domestic flights there would be no inflight drinks as well as snack services; however, water and lollies are still offered.
• For Australia and Pacific flights, the Company would not be serving snacks from the inflight bites menu.

Cleanliness in the air and on the ground

The Company disclosed that the surfaces that are in frequent touch will be sanitised on a regular basis, and the airline is taking extra measures to make sure all lounges, airports and aircraft are sanitised during the day. Notably, the hand sanitiser will be available for both the staff as well as customers to use as and when they would want to.

Moreover, strict boarding is in place to help customers keep distance on the airbridge during boarding, and the boarding would be in zones. The lounges and valet would re-open 25 May onwards. The Airlines notified that in accordance with regulations by government, the buffet services would not be offered in the lounge area.

However, the airline disclosed to have packaged snacks, beverages and coffee station to be available at lounge area.

Air New Zealand to Restart flying to Taupo and Timaru

Air New Zealand would recommence flying to Taupo and Timaru from 8 June, as the airline gradually increases its network due to lowered restriction in New Zealand.

Initially the airline would operate three return services in a week between Taupo and Auckland on Monday, Wednesday and Friday as well as three return services in a week between Timaru and Wellington on the similar days. However, the airline has cautioned passengers that the flying experience will be significantly different to what it was prior to the pandemic.

On 15 May 2020, on the Australian Securities Exchange AIZ stock last traded at AUD 1.145, going down by 1.293% as compared to its previous close. The Company has a market capitalisation of nearly AUD 1.3 billion with 1.12 billion shares outstanding.