In 2012, Global Traveler compiled a group of its subscribers to serve as its Globility Board. After an interview and vetting process, the members have served the publication in many capacities: as a focus group for clients, as a resource for articles and, now, to provide thoughts, suggestions and more for tourism boards as they face the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Below is the third in a four-part series with our Globility Board. They also came together to offer support for hotels, airlines and cruises.
On our tourism board committee was Tom and Celeste Linhard, a husband and wife based in Colorado that have both flown more than 2 million miles with United Airlines; and Iris Childress, a cloud computing engineer with Microsoft Corp.
When the committee spoke, the quarantine and lockdowns were still developing in some areas. The Linhards were at the beginning of Colorado’s lockdown and were already considering road trips, while Childress, based in Seattle, was on a week of business travel that required both flights and a rental car. According to Childress, planes were half full, but not much had changed in the airport except for all the restaurant closures. The airplanes were spotless, and travelers were in masks.
While Childress worries how quickly people and business can remobilize once the bans lift, all agreed deals and discounts will get travelers back on the roads and in the air. Tom Linhard suggested canceled festivals worldwide should begin promoting rescheduled dates as soon as possible, and state tourism boards should consider “drive to us” campaigns to promote road trips, especially with gas prices at a low. The tourism boards could even partner regionally to promote trips to specific areas of the country. And, in areas where road trips aren’t as possible, it was mentioned tourism boards might consider pairing with regional airlines to offer incentives to travelers.
It was widely agreed travelers are likely to first return to the worldwide destinations that best handled the virus, or at least those perceived to have handled it well. Many agreed tourism boards may use influencers, social media and travel journalists to promote that destinations are back open for business.
And which destinations are these intrepid travelers planning to visit once travel is able to return to normal? Childress is planning a trip to Asia in November, over the Thanksgiving holiday, and the Linhards are hoping to return to Europe on a two-week cruise in August. Tom Linhard will also return to Asia for business as soon as possible.
What suggestions do you have for tourism boards in the face of the COVID-19 crisis? Share with us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com.
Along with the Globility Board, we here at FXExpress Publications, Inc. cannot wait to #ComeBacktoTravel, and have you all #ComeBacktoGT, #ComeBacktoTrazee and #ComeBacktoWhereverFamily.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedOctober 2024
Oct 30, 2024Enhance Your Flying Experience with These Handy Devices
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones These wireless over-ear headphones from Bose won multiple awards and received rave reviews for best-in-class noise-cancelling technology and amazing sound quality. Available in white, sandstone or black, QuietComfort Ultra boast up to 24 hours battery life and are compatible with the Bose app, letting you customize your audio settings. Immersive Audio technology brings sound to life, and multipoint connectivity means you can easily switch between two devices at once. $429.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands
Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.
eFlyer Reviews
Oct 30, 2024Art Hotel Villa Fiorella Review
Perched on the hillside town of Massa Lubrense, just beyond Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Villa Fiorella Art Hotel brings modern sensibility to an ancient town, emphasizing artistic expression throughout the property. Less than 5 miles from the more crowded town of Sorrento, Villa Fiorella is a refined escape in an idyllic region.
eFlyer News
Oct 30, 2024Six Senses Introduces 2 New Italian Properties to Portfolio
Six Senses begins a new chapter in its Italian story with the planned openings of two new properties across the country. Six Senses Milan and Six Senses Lake Como will join Six Senses Rome (opened in 2023) and the upcoming Six Senses Antognolla in Umbria.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
eFlyer News
Oct 30, 2024Air Tahiti Nui, Air Rarotonga Announce New Codeshare Partnership
Air Tahiti Nui and Air Rarotonga announced a new codeshare partnership set to greatly enhance air travel connectivity between the United States and Cook Islands via French Polynesia. The new partnership offers passengers increased flexibility, convenient connections between the two island nations and expanded route options.
October 2024
Oct 29, 2024Upgrades to Premium Economy Dazzle Passengers Who Crave Comfort and Convenience
Passengers who don’t have the means or inclination to spring for a seat in the front of the plane but want more than the bare-bones experience found back in coach increasingly choose a third option, premium economy. This cabin can offer the best of both worlds: some of the amenities and comfort of first or business class with a more approachable ticket price. Airlines recognize this trend, launching or beefing up premium-economy seats to appeal to discerning yet budget- minded travelers. Here’s what’s new in this buzzy category.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight
As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.
October 2024
Oct 28, 2024Airlines Tout New Products and Services to Pamper Premium-Class Passengers
Is it worth it? The airplane is the same, we’re flying the same route, we will all get there at the same time. And yet some passengers paid considerably more for their seats than others. On an international flight, a business-class ticket can cost four times more than economy, and first class may be 10 times more. If you’re budget-conscious, it’s a no-brainer: Why break the bank for a journey that will only last a few hours? But for regular flyers, business travelers, celebrities and many others, the advantages of a premium ticket outweigh the cost.
ShareThis