Travel, Tourism and Covid update

Travel and Tourism - What next
 
As the New Zealand border looks due to be closed for a "long time", and the Prime Minister is discussing with the Australian Prime Minister the concept of a combined border bubble between Australia and New Zealand, the future of the international travel market is not expected to bounce back quickly before July 2020 or even by September 2020.
 
Whilst there have been some signals from the government regarding recovery time frames, nothing is cast in stone. The dynamic nature of this crisis presents a very difficult environment in which to plan disaster recovery strategies. Our principals are changing the refund and amendment policies weekly as this global event evolves.
 
With 90% of Air NZ's services suspended until at least 30 June, Qantas and Singapore Airlines until 30 April as well as cancelling selected routes, and cruise lines cancelling their 2020 Asia season the region is in flux. On top of that tour companies are cancelling tours in Europe, Asia and North America to 30 June 2020 leaving travel agencies, which survive on selling travel little room to move. For us there is limited product to sell and very few clients.
 
Instead travel agencies are currently flat out managing clients due to travel in 2020 by protecting their bookings, postponing travel arrangements for later in 2020 or 2021 and facilitating refunds and credits for those who were due to travel in March and April 2020. 
 
This global event has highlighted the value of a travel agent during a crisis and the value of shopping local. Clients and consumers who booked online have found it very hard to talk with the internet, and wait for a call centre to manage their bookings.
 
Travel looks highly likely to take off again for autumn and winter 2021 however the industry needs to be agile enough to weather the storm for at least the next 6 months and have the resources to deploy to handle a future surge in business.
 
The big question is when is that likely to be? The recovery after SARS in 2003 was relatively quick at six to twelve months for the worst affected regions, but much longer for 9/11 and the GFC at 12 to 18 months. Depending on the region, the decline associated with these events was between 15% and 30% and the likely reduction for this month of April is likely to be about 60%. On that basis and reviewing the expectations in Forbes and from Air NZ among others the current consensus points to a long 18 to 36 month slog for the industry to return to 2019 levels.
 
Keep safe and stay well.
 
Andrew Laing

 

Covid-19 - how to stay safe and why

These hints and tips come well recommended, from a variety of (hopefully) reputable sources

* The virus is not a living organism, but a collection of molecules including RNA and protein, covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes the host cells genetic code converting them into little Covid 19 factories.

* Since the virus is not a living organism but an RNA and protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of surface on which it lies.

* The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 33 degrees for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.

* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.

* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.

* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only

-between 3 hours (fabric and porous),

-4 hours (copper and wood)

-24 hours (cardboard),- Bu

42 hours (metal) and

-72 hours (plastic).

- If you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars. They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.

* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.

* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

* NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%. 

* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

* You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.

* You have to Moisturize dry hands from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.

* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

Stay safe, stay strong 

Charles 😊