Welcome Coronatourism!
Will Covid-19 (or SARS-2) have lasting effects? Is Ecotourism & Green Hospitality sheltered? Here are some initial thoughts (working draft):
1. Despite the hype of covid-19 webinars and the emerging adaptation cottage industry, It is likely that the pandemic will only have short-term effects, especially if there is not a second wave in Autumn 2020.
2. Most changes will be rolled back as soon as the cure has been found. It is not realistic to eat or to get a sun tan in plastic see-through cubicles. To wrap all foods in ecocidal plastic wrapping paper and packaging. Or to remove airconditioning units and halve bed capacity. Nor is it economic or ecological for a plane or a tour bus to travel half empty. The only lasting changes will be related to more meticulous room cleaning procedures (such as these) on the part of hosts, and personal precautions and hygiene routines on the part of guests. Masks, for example, may become a regular sight in crowded (hello anti-[over]tourists, where have you been lately?) tourism spots, as they have been in Asia following SARS-1.
3. Green hospitality is better positioned because of its small size, marketing flexibility and low overheads.
4. The sharing economy, which offers seclusion and better physical distancing, will also benefit even if companies like airbnb run into financial troubles in the short term.
5. Domestic tourism, which is by definition more eco (shorter distances, although greater use of cars) will also benefit at least for as long as border controls and excessive health checks are in place for international travellers.
6. Long-haul ecotourism destinations and businesses dependent on international travellers will suffer the most. They should be looking at Plan Bs like cooperating with domestic academic institutions for hosting seminars etc and to a lesser extent offering virtual tourism experiences and lessons (cooking?) to engage past and future guests.
