Reimagining Tourism: COVID-19 and the Potential of Virtual Tourism in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 10(4) (10(4)) ◽  
pp. 1516-1532
Author(s):  
Refiloe Julia Julia ◽  
Vyasha Harilal ◽  
Azi Feni
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Online Surveys ◽  
Virtual Tourism ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
The World ◽  
Domestic Tourism ◽  
Initial Inability ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Tourism Attractions

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in massive degrowth of tourism economies, undoing years of progress in destinations around the world. The initial inability of tourists to travel and subsequent fall out from border closures, vaccination hurdles, the changing needs of tourists to travel targeted the very core of tourism. Despite the tourism sector being renowned for its resilience in relation to previous crises, the prolonged and unprecedented nature of this crisis has tested the most resilient of sectors. As part of South Africa’s tourism sector recovery plan, the domestic tourism sub-sector of the industry has been prioritised. However, even before the pandemic induced crisis, the performance of the domestic tourism sector called for attention. Thus, although disruptive, this crisis provides an opportunity for innovation within the sector. While innovations of virtual tourism could be suitable, an investigation into the willingness of tourists to engage in virtual tourism needs to be undertaken. The current paper seeks to address this gap. A quantitative research design was employed, with a total of 110 online surveys being completed by domestic tourists in South Africa. Key finds reveal that virtual tourism could assist in the promotion of a destination, particularly in the decision making processes of potential tourists, which had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that virtual tourism could increase the exposure and accessibility of tourism attractions in South Africa. Moreover, the results of the study reveal that while virtual tourism could enhance the tourist experience at the destination, it cannot replace traditional tourism. Recommendations emanating from this study relate to the inclusion of virtual tourism components as add ons to tourism attractions.

Costa Rica faces economic shock in 2020

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
World Bank ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World Bank ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
The World ◽  
Domestic Tourism ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Economic Shock

Subject COVID-19 impact. Significance Costa Rica entered a nationwide lockdown on March 16, as part of government efforts to identify and contain the spread of COVID-19. This lockdown has heavily disrupted economic activity, with non-essential businesses closing and the lucrative tourism sector effectively ceasing to operate. With no end to the crisis in sight, the country is headed for a sharp economic contraction in 2020. Impacts Weak pandemic control measures in Nicaragua will see more Nicaraguans enter Costa Rica illegally. Costa Rica is likely to look to the World Bank for financing support. Domestic tourism will recover before international tourism does once internal travel restrictions are eased, providing some relief.

scholarly journals FORECASTING OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC CONSEQUENCES: GEOGRAPHICAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-61
Author(s):  
Olesia Iastremska ◽  
Oleksandra Kononova
Keyword(s):  
Global Market ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
International Travel ◽  
International Tourism ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Intersectoral Cooperation ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
The World ◽  
Domestic Tourism

Restrictions on transportation between countries because of lockdown caused by the prevalence of morbidity COVID-19 have slowed down economic activity worldwide. Therefore, in this paper, we examine and estimate the short-term economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global market situation in terms of the international tourism industry. The purpose of the study is to analyze the current economic situation of the world tourism sector, which suffered the most because of the COVID-19 pandemic, determine the main tourist flows (inbound and outbound tourism), and identify main tourism trends that characterize travel and tourism in 2020, to form practical directions for improving the tourism industry, domestic tourism in particular. This article analyzes the dynamics of international touristic destinations for the period 2019-2020, with regard to the pre-pandemic period and during the COVID-19 lockdown. Also, the dynamics of destinations of international tourists by different regions and the world in general for different types of travel limitations in 2020 are analyzed. It is detected an enhancement in percentage change of tourism destinations from July 2020 because the world began to open up to international tourism, mainly in the European Union. In this article, it is considered that the implementation of travel restrictions is clearly affected international travel. The dynamic of the international tourists’ destinations with a complete/partial closure of borders and other restrictions by region in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic are analyzed. The major trends in the tourism sector during the coronavirus crisis are highlighted. The main practical directions for the resuscitation of the tourism industry have been formed, which will have to reduce the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and created a basis for increasing the competitiveness of domestic tourism. It is determined that support for the development of the tourism industry at the central and local levels should be based on the expected preferences of tourists and the risk of using illegal resorts with the possibility of infection. The article examines the main problems of the tourism sphere of Ukraine, which arise as a result of the introduction of measures to overcome the coronavirus pandemic in the world and in Ukraine in particular. Using the experience of other countries and international recommendations, measures for intersectoral cooperation in the context of increased epidemic risks are proposed. The article reveals the peculiarities of the development of the tourist sphere of Ukraine in the conditions of increased epidemic risks. Modern tendencies of functioning of the tourist sphere of the country are investigated. The tourism sector is suffering on a global scale due to the implementation of measures to overcome the coronavirus pandemic and the uncertainty of further development of the situation. According to various scenarios, in 2020 the volume of international tourist arrivals is expected to fall by 58-78% compared to last year. According to experts, the recovery of demand to the level of 2019 will take at least two years. According to experts, the sphere of tourist services of the coronavirus crisis period will be characterized by giving consumers priority in terms of choice of shorter rest periods, a predominance of individual movement and individual accommodation, choice of health, sea, and rural tourism.

scholarly journals COOPERATION TO ACHIEVE SUCCESSFUL TOURISM

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-71
Author(s):  
Ágnes Virág
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Development ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Tourist Destinations ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Infrastructural Development ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
The World ◽  
Domestic Tourism ◽  
Development Concept

Abstract Tourism has become one the most quickly developing economic sectors. The creation of sustainable and competitive tourism can be observed and initiated all over the world, so the formation of Tourism Destination Management (TDM) system has become an important way of development worldwide. All over the world there are lots of successful TDM systems, so we have to work hard to achieve success in our homeland as well. I think that a new tourism development concept has positive effects on the development of domestic tourism. The tourism sector may expand more dynamically with cooperation of the players. The institutional development is useful, but the organizations must be established in harmony with the characteristics of each destination and need to represent the interests of the participants. In my research, I examine the development of the Hungarian Tourism Destination Management system, the use of the funds, and the context between TDM funds and infrastructural development. Finally, I intend to present good practices which can be adapted to other tourist destinations, so that everyone can benefit from the Hungarian tourism sector.

scholarly journals TOURIST SPHERE: SEARCH FOR WAYS TO OVERCOME THE CRISIS IN THE CONDITIONS OF GLOBAL QUARANTINE RESTRICTIONS

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (158) ◽  
pp. 24-31
Author(s):  
V. Svitlychna
Keyword(s):  
World Economy ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Health Improvement ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
The World ◽  
Domestic Tourism ◽  
Tourism Enterprises

The issues of activity of enterprises of the tourism sector in conditions of quarantine restrictions are investigated. The thesis about the relevance of developing a number of anti-crisis measures that would help stabilize the development of these enterprises is substantiated. The aim of this work is to study the issues of stabilizing the functioning of enterprises in the tourism sector under quarantine conditions. The article presents the thesis that the tourism industry is considered one of the most dynamic industries in the world economy and international trade in services. In the modern world, tourism is economic activity related to the movement of a person outside the permanent place of residence, his recreation with health improvement, raising the level of culture and education. The author of the article states that over the past two decades, the indicators of the development of the tourism sector have been characterized by positive indicators, the number of countries participating in international tourism has expanded, and the scale of tourist arrivals and international tourist receipts has grown every year. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has made significant adjustments to the functioning of the tourism sector at all levels (global and regional). Indeed, the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China at the end of 2019 and spread throughout the world, has become the biggest challenge and threat to all countries since World War II. The article substantiates that this negatively affected the inbound and outbound tourism markets on a global scale. Thus, the uncertainty of the further development of the situation, the occurrence of obstacles to the normal implementation of travel, restrictions on movement, the concern of mankind to preserve their own health and safety have caused the crisis and an increase in the volume of losses of travel companies. The focus of the article is concentrated on the analysis of the negative consequences of the aggravation of the epidemic situation for the world economy. The article emphasizes that for each country it is extremely important to take a number of measures to minimize the consequences of quarantine restrictions on the activities of tourism enterprises. Within the framework of this study, the author emphasizes that the main criterion for the restoration of the tourism sector should be the achievement of an optimal balance between security, health and economic interests. The article proposes recommended measures to stabilize the tourism sector in Ukraine and minimize losses as a result of the pandemic. The complex of such measures includes: – continuation of the policy of canceling the obligations to pay income tax and VAT for accommodation facilities, catering; – government support and stimulation of domestic rail and air traffic (government subsidies for the cost of tickets); – gradual introduction of permission to organize open terraces, sites for cafes, restaurants (while maintaining all the necessary safety measures for health protection); – аctivation of measures for digital transformation of the domestic tourism sector; – introduction of a transparent mechanism for the use of funds received in local budgets from the tourist tax exclusively for the development of domestic tourism and related infrastructure. The authors emphasize that today there is no doubt about the need to activate the processes and measures to overcome the harmful effects of the pandemic on the tourism sector of the domestic economy. We emphasize that the nationwide implementation of all anti-crisis levers, consistency and consistency in the implementation of all measures will contribute to their speedy stabilization of the development of tourism entities and their achievement of the level of economic efficiency of their activities. Keywords: tourism, tourist flows, quarantine, epidemic risks, pandemic, Covid-19, «Roadmap for the competitive development of tourism in Ukraine», development of the tourism sector.

scholarly journals ENSURING SUSTAINABILITY AND FULL-FUNCTIONING OF THE TOURIST SPHERE IN MODERN CONDITIONS OF ADAPTATION TO THE CHANGING EPIDEMIOLOGICAL

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (160) ◽  
pp. 53-62
Author(s):  
V. Svitlychna
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Successful Operation ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
General Decline ◽  
The World ◽  
Domestic Tourism

Issues of modern aspects of the functioning of the tourism sector of the world and Ukraine are studied. The factors of negative impact of the Covid pandemic on the tourism industry are revealed. The aim of the work is to study measures to ensure anti-epidemiological stability and full functioning of the tourism sector in the face of rapidly changing and unpredictable global situation. The article argues that the tourism industry is considered one of the most dynamic industries in the world economy and international trade in services. In the modern world, tourism is an economic activity associated with the movement of a person outside his permanent place of residence, his recreation with better health, raising the level of culture and education. The author of the article states that the Covid pandemic has hit the tourism industry. Practically, we can say that the tourism industry has stopped. According to experts, the current crisis of tourism can rightly be considered too severe in history. The article emphasizes that none of the experts in the field of tourism does not assume when the collapse of the tourism industry will end, because it all depends on improving the situation with the disease and lifting the ban on travel. At present, most countries in the world are only tightening quarantine restrictions. Uncertainty about the lifting of travel bans makes it impossible to develop tactical and strategic plans for the development of the tourism sector. The author emphasizes that the domestic tourism business is in dire need of state support. Unfortunately, due to the crisis, it does not have such support. The projected global economic recession, the general decline in the level of well-being of our compatriots, and thus their minimization of spending on recreation - together can have an even more devastating effect on the tourism sector. Researched by UNWTO measures to mitigate the Covid pandemic in tourism. The content of the measures of the All-Ukrainian Federation of Employers in the field of tourism of Ukraine to prevent complete stagnation of the tourism sector is revealed. Emphasis is placed on the formation of a new information society, digitalization of tourism. Undoubted advantages of VR-tourism are: reduction of risks of probability of infection in travels; possibility to get acquainted with cultural and natural monuments, museum expositions, tourist routes online; saving time and money for consumers; the ability to make virtual trips at any convenient time. The article emphasizes that the tourism industry is forced to adapt to significant changes in consumer demands, as well as to adapt to rapidly changing epidemiological circumstances. To prevent a complete collapse, the tourism business must be flexibly transformed, ensuring its functioning and overcoming the crisis. The article proposes the main transformational changes in the tourism industry, necessary to ensure the functioning and overcoming of crisis phenomena. These are: domestic tourism, the predominance of individual tourism and tourism in small groups, the growing popularity of ecological (green) tourism, the emphasis on travel safety, ensuring compliance with sanitary and epidemiological standards. The authors emphasize that today there is no doubt about the need to intensify processes and measures to overcome the detrimental impact of the pandemic on the tourism sector of the domestic economy. It is purposeful, coordinated, consistent anti-crisis measures that can rehabilitate the economic sphere, including the tourism business. Based on the main priority - safe operation, the tourism industry must actively open new opportunities for its activities in order to stabilize their activities and prepare for successful operation in the post-quarantine period.

scholarly journals Tourism Industry in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Tendencies and Support Measures

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (516) ◽  
pp. 177-184
Author(s):  
I. Y. Kulyniak ◽  
◽  
I. I. Zhygalo ◽  
K. M. Yarmola ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
International Tourist ◽  
Tourist Flows ◽  
The World ◽  
Domestic Tourism ◽  
Online Forms ◽  
Tourism Climate ◽  
Almost All

The coronavirus pandemic, which has engulfed almost all countries and caused a global crisis, has dealt a significant blow to many sectors of the economy, including the tourism sector. The tourism industry found itself in uncertain working conditions, which caused significant changes in the functioning of tourism entities. The article analyzes the current status and identifies tendencies in the development of the world tourism market in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as systematizes the measures implemented by Ukraine and other countries to stimulate and support the tourism industry. The contribution of tourism to the world GDP by the countries that are the most popular among tourists is analyzed. The percentage change in international tourist arrivals by region in 2020 and dynamics in destinations that were the most popular among tourists around the world in 2018–2020 is considered. It is identified that as a result of the pandemic, the indicators of tourism activities have decreased significantly, the tourism industry has suffered losses and there has been a significant reduction in tourist flows. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant decrease in the number of international tourist arrivals in all countries. In addition, to achieve its goal, the article systematizes the measures to improve the tourism climate of countries, stimulation and support of the tourism industry both during the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-pandemic period. It is identified that among the measures to stimulate and support the tourism industry in most countries, the main focus is placed on domestic tourism, which is less dependent on the global coronavirus crisis and quarantine measures, as well as the introduction of online forms and the wider use of marketing and digital tools in the provision of tourist services. According to the results of the study, the authors substantiate the need to support the enterprises of the tourism industry and stimulate the demand for domestic tourism on the part of Ukrainian government.

scholarly journals ՆԵՐՔԻՆ ԶԲՈՍԱՇՐՋՈՒԹՅԱՆ ԶԱՐԳԱՑՄԱՆ ՀԵՌԱՆԿԱՐՆԵՐԸ ՀՀ-ՈՒՄ/PERSPECTIVES OF DOMESTIC TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN ARMENIA/ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ РАЗВИТИЯ ВНУТРЕННЕГО ТУРИЗМА В АРМЕНИИ

2021 ◽  
pp. 59-72
Author(s):  
Anahit Mkrtchyan ◽  
Gayane Tovmasyan
Keyword(s):  
Tourism Development ◽  
Current State ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
The World ◽  
Domestic Tourism ◽  
Marketing Activities

In recent years, tourism has grown rapidly around the world. However, in 2020 the growth of the tourism sector was disrupted by the coronavirus epidemic. Many countries, such as Armenia, tried to revive domestic tourism. Due to pandemic restrictions in 2020 the number of domestic tourists in Armenia has decreased by about 33% compared to the previous year, composing 1045756 people. The article forecasts the number of domestic tourists for the next three years using the ARIMA method. According to forecasts, in 2021 the number of domestic tourists in Armenia will be 1287492 people, in 2022 - 1350129 people, in 2023 - 1412764 people. In addition, the current state of domestic tourism, its development issues were analyzed, some suggestions were made for the development of domestic tourism, related to the improvement of marketing activities, the development of new routes, and so on.

scholarly journals PERBANDINGAN PULAU BALI DAN PULAU JEJU DALAM BIDANG PARIWISATA

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Ummul - Hasanah ◽  
Yuniastuti Eka Hapsari
Keyword(s):  
Early History ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Tourist Attractions ◽  
Original Culture ◽  
Natural Beauty ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
The World ◽  
History Of ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Tourism Attractions

There are some similarities and differences between Bali and Jeju in tourism sector. Similarities and differences of the two islands consist of the early history of the development of tourism and their tourist attractions. Bali and Jeju are both became famous around the world because of a book written by foreigners. Besides of the history of tourism, both islands have similarities in the tourist attractions. If in Bali there is Desa Penglipuran, in Jeju there is Seongup Jeju Folk Village. Both villages are tourist villages which still retain their original culture. In addition to similarities in these two islands, there are also differences of Bali and Jeju. Started by the early history of the development of tourism, Bali Island from the beginning is famous for its natural beauty as a tourist destination, Jeju on the other hand, need to experience several incidents to finally become a popular tourist destination. As for the tourism attractions, compared to Bali, tourist facilities in Jeju are better, for example in Woljeongri Beach in Jeju, tourists who want to play canoe will be provided a safety life jacket, but in Sanur, Bali, visitors are not provided those facilities. Besides of those examples, there are some other similarities and differences of the two islands.

scholarly journals FORECASTS DESIGN FOR MANAGEMENT OF TRAVEL&TOURISM INDUSTRY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND MITIGATION OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-14
Author(s):  
Kateryna Horiunova ◽  
Viktoriia Kiptenko
Keyword(s):  
Global Scale ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Travel And Tourism ◽  
Intersectoral Cooperation ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
The World ◽  
Domestic Tourism ◽  
Current Economic Situation

Restrictions on transportation between countries because of the lockdown caused by COVID-19 have slowed down economic activity worldwide. Therefore, in this paper we examine and estimate the short-term economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global market situation in terms of the international tourism industry. The purpose of the study is to analyze the current economic situation of the world tourism sector, which suffered the most because of the COVID-19 pandemic, determine the main tourist flows (inbound and outbound tourism) and identify main tourism trends that characterize travel and tourism in world in 2020, to form practical directions for improving the tourism industry, domestic tourism in particular. The dynamics of the international tourists’ destinations with complete/partial closure of borders and other restrictions through the region in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic are analyzed. The major trends in the tourism sector during the corona crisis are highlighted. The main practical directions for the resuscitation of the tourism industry have been formed, which will have to reduce the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and have created a basis for increasing the competitiveness of domestic tourism. It is determined that support for the development of the tourism industry at the central and local levels should be based on the expected preferences of tourists and the risk of using illegal resorts with the possibility of infection. The article examines the main problems of the tourism sphere of Ukraine, which have arisen as a result of the introduction of measures to overcome the coronavirus pandemic in the world and in Ukraine in particular. Using the experience of other countries and international recommendations, measures for intersectoral cooperation in the context of increased epidemic risks are proposed. The article reveals the peculiarities of the development of the tourist sphere of Ukraine in the conditions of increased epidemic risks. Modern tendencies of functioning of the tourist sphere of the country are investigated. The tourism sector is suffering on a global scale due to the implementation of measures to overcome the coronavirus pandemic and the uncertainty of further development of the situation. According to various scenarios, the volume of international tourist arrivals is expected to fall by 58-78% in 2020 compared to the previous year. According to experts, the recovery of demand to the level of 2019 will take at least two years. According to experts, the sphere of tourist services of the corona crisis period will be characterized by giving consumers priority in terms of: choice of shorter rest periods, predominance of individual movement and individual accommodation, choice of health, sea and rural tourism.

Invasive Shot Hole Borers Euwallacea fornicatus, E. kuroshio, and E. perbrevis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

EDIS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Demian F. Gomez ◽  
Jiri Hulcr ◽  
Daniel Carrillo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Invasive Species ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Economic Impacts ◽  
Forest Resources ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Ambrosia Beetles ◽  
Invasive Insects ◽  
The World ◽  
And Control

Invasive species, those that are nonnative and cause economic damage, are one of the main threats to ecosystems around the world. Ambrosia beetles are some of the most common invasive insects. Currently, severe economic impacts have been increasingly reported for all the invasive shot hole borers in South Africa, California, Israel, and throughout Asia. This 7-page fact sheet written by Demian F. Gomez, Jiri Hulcr, and Daniel Carrillo and published by the School of Forest Resources and Conservation describes shot hole borers and their biology and hosts and lists some strategies for prevention and control of these pests. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr422

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