Kush Kapoor: Global tourism definitely took a beating during the pandemic. The world faced an unprecedented emergency with the COVID-19 pandemic and travel and tourism became among the most affected sectors with airplanes on the ground, hotels closed and travel restrictions put in place in virtually all countries around the world. Fortunately with the passage of time, things have taken a turn for the better and industry is now showing signs of revival. Across the world, people have started to rediscover their own countries through domestic tourism and this offers an opportunity to spread the sector’s benefits more widely.

Kush Kapoor: The commercial Indian air space has opened up only marginally yet. Hence revenue from international tourism which was amongst the largest revenue generator is at its lowest ever in the past decade. In addition, no uniform travel protocols are in place regarding travel of vaccinated travellers.

Kush Kapoor: Talking about our hotels, Roseate Hotels & Resorts has constantly reinvented itself to meet new challenges and stay ahead of the curve. Solutions such as online check-ins, QR codes, digital menus, contactless payments, digital communication and engagement tools, and innovative technologies are already in place. For our hotel rooms, we are hoping to start soon contactless services for in-room amenities like mini bar, laundry, in room dining via use of QR Codes .

Kush Kapoor: A change in perspective is the need of the hour. We must look beyond the immediate restart of tourism. This crisis is an opportunity to rethink about tourism. For instance, so-called “over-tourism” had been a concern in many places prior to the pandemic. But again, this should be seized as an opportunity to realign the sector towards greater sustainability and inclusivity rather than simply going back to the way we were before. The tourism is the sector with the broadest economic value chain and the deepest social footprint. Herein lays the opportunity to rethink, restart and to grow back better.

The theme this year is ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’. We should strive to look beyond ubiquitous tourism statistics and acknowledge the most important fact of life that for every number there is a life tagged to it. The world is showing signs of opening up again. We should ensure nobody is left behind as we look into the future. The purpose of the yearly celebration is to raise awareness on the role tourism plays within the world space and the enormous socio-cultural, political, and economic bearings worldwide. We must factor in all segments of our society while we move forward. Be it local community, our differently able travelers or LGBTQ populace, there should be succour for everyone. The pandemic has definitely battered the tourism industry the most. But intrinsically, the sector is resilient. The show will go on with more inclusiveness now.