BANGKOK, 19 March 2020: In his newest “letter from the CEO”, Pacific Asia Journey Affiliation’s president and CEO, Mario Hardy, cuts, by means of the muddle and noise surrounding the Covid-19 outbreak. He requires calm suggesting even when we can not see it there’s a gentle on the finish of the tunnel.
“I’ve spent the final week watching, listening and studying each potential information about Covid-19 in the hunt for readability.
“Actually, all I’ve discovered is extra confusion, with differing opinions altering every day and inconsistent messaging from some governments and native authorities.
“The fixed noise causes anxiousness. Whereas we have to discover a remedy to Covid-19, we additionally must discover a remedy to the present “info-demic” which is inflicting as a lot harm because the virus.
“Although it’s important to remain up to date on the newest developments significantly in your neighborhood, it is very important heed the recommendation of respected well being consultants and professionals, relatively than depend on rumour or different unreliable sources.
“I have to stress how vital it’s to think about all factual knowledge and knowledge, and measure an applicable and balanced response throughout occasions reminiscent of these.
“Depart it to the consultants to offer you the right info and recommendation, and take away all the opposite noise and opinions. When unsure, observe the suggestions laid out by the World Well being Organisation (WHO).
“Nonetheless, from all the data I acquired, what I do know is that because the world prepares itself to #flattenthecurve by means of social distancing, we the tourism trade want to arrange ourselves now for delayed restoration.
“Already on this early stage, tourism companies are experiencing extreme financial hardships, and a few are struggling to remain afloat. A decade in the past, monetary analysts used to say enterprise ought to have a minimum of three months money reserves, and afterward, prolonged that concept to 6 months.
“Nevertheless, the fact is that you must have a minimum of one 12 months of money reserves. Those that haven’t constructed an honest reserve will most certainly must take some drastic actions within the close to future reminiscent of value containment, potential layoffs, or sale of property.
“Those that have constructed substantial money reserves can use this time to enhance their back-office techniques, full excellent tasks, or gentle experiment some new concepts and ideas. It’s also a superb time to strategise and put together your small business for restoration. I anticipate that once we see a speedy decline in instances globally and journey restrictions begin to be lifted, the restoration will come quick as individuals might be eager to get a change of surroundings.
“Within the meantime, all of us must do our half and shield the well being of our households, staff and the general public. This can be a superb time to your organisation to experiment with versatile working hours and do business from home (WFH) insurance policies to alleviate among the stress and anxiousness brought on by the danger of contamination.
“As journey restrictions are nonetheless in place, it could even be clever to do as Estonia Tourism has carried out and need your potential guests to remain house in the intervening time and go to your vacation spot at a later time. Encourage individuals and invite them to dream concerning the wonders of your vacation spot.
“We might not see it but, however there’s gentle on the finish of the tunnel. We should keep calm, vigilant and put the protection and well-being of individuals first.”
PATA CEO Weblog
Dr Mario Hardy,
Chief Govt Officer,
Pacific Asia Journey Affiliation.