How COVID changed the Business Operation of Touring Companies in Colorado.
The tourism and travel hospitality industry has been demolished by the impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. Many of us are yet battling this deadly virus, but many industries and societies are looking to build and remerge from this crisis. But, this process of recovering for the tourist industry will be lengthy and very complicated. Tours and sports have seen a substantial decline in bookings of over 80%. Questions that are hovering over every business mind, will my company survive this pandemic? Are we going to expect enough customers? Will our safety guidelines be followed? The unfortunate reality is that many tourist companies that are not functioning under certain rules and regulations due to the COVID-19 may face economic impacts?
Things are yet not clear, as to when things will come back to normal. But one thing is for sure, there isn’t going to be the same group or amount of people crowded until there is a vaccine in the market and they feel safe. But, there will be a rise with local rather than traditional tourists. Travellers will prefer less crowded cities until social distancing phases out. Let us understand more about the negatives, the touring companies have been facing.
Few of the reasons why tour operators are facing difficulties to survive COVID-19.
Lack of government support.
- Business based in a country, where government support is nonexistent. Where the operators had no support to fall back on when their income vanished.
New Business
- Any recently established business, who had all their support on uninterrupted travel and tourism to grow financially and gain larger exposure.
Overcapitalised
- The cash runaway was not enough to withstand the sudden and sustained drop in business.
Overexposure to labour costs
- For the business that relied heavily on human labour for tasks.
There are many touring companies that have laid down their rules & regulations for COVID-19, out of which one is Grand Adventures and its sister company MAD Adventures. They operated successfully in the new COVID world and are still able to function effectively. With great planning, following protocols and great communication with customers, with zero staff illness and zero customer illness reported after visiting and participating in trips. It was all done with the help of local officials and government guidelines, with procedures and policies for 2020–2021.
Their policy and procedures included important group size and discount charges, important reservation policy changes, important cancellation policy changes, Important reschedule policy changes, Important gear rental policy changes, and check-in procedure. Also, keeping in mind the necessary safety as screening procedures, that would talk about employees temperature check. Check-in procedures, safe transportation for customers as well as for staff. Boat loading and sanitation.
Understanding where the world has reached today, we need to take necessary measures and care for ourselves. The same way, out of the many, a few tour operators are having their policy checked and followed strictly, for the safety of customers and for greater benefits for their business.
