Covid has proven to be such a fluid pandemic that a lot can change between now and when this interview is published. This is clearly evidenced in the current shutdown of the UK, expected to lift in early December. The international wave in our key source markets is also serious cause for pause, exacerbated by the increase in the number of active cases while on the local front.
However our hotel workers, owners, taxi drivers—among other key tourism front liners—remain optimistic largely due to the tremendous progress we have made over the last four months. We are about 30% of where we were pre-COVID and if all continues we can get to 50% of where we were by January 2021. It would mean an increase in jobs, taxes to government, business to farmers, fishers and other sectors.
The key now remains a vaccine to be effectively manufactured and distributed and it looks like another couple of years before the world can get this virus under complete control. It then suggests that tourism destinations will somehow have to find a way to overcome all that COVID 19 brings with it. The recovery is painful. Many businesses are either still closed, while those that are open are losing money. Many employees have not been recalled to work. But five thousand have been gainfully reemployed. Despite this, we will win this if we work diligently together.
Health experts around the world show that COVID brings with it tremendous physiological problems that will require some vacation therapy and so we have to position our destination to be among the ones in the best state of readiness. Which is why we are with much eagerness fast-tracking the implementation of many tourism development projects island-wide.
The airlines are showing tremendous confidence in our recovery. Air Canada and United have made their inaugural flights since we reopened our borders. Let us all try to keep positive, in the meantime. Together, we shall overcome!
This article first appeared in the November 2020 edition of the STAR Monthly review, available here: https://issuu.com/starbusinessweek/docs/star-monthly-review-01
