Currently, domestic markets are seeing positive momentum, which indicates the same could be possible for the international markets soon as travel restrictions are lifted.
While global travel remains widely shut down amid the Covid-19 pandemic, domestic travel demand is starting to increase according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Passenger traffic fell in March 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels (March 2019), but rose compared to February 2021. This is largely thanks to an increase in people traveling domestically as local borders have started to ease up thanks to successful vaccine rollouts.
Currently, domestic markets are seeing positive momentum which indicates the same could be possible for the international markets soon as travel restrictions are lifted. One particular domestic market that is currently booming is that of China.
According to IATA Director General Willie Walsh, “people want and need to fly, and we can be optimistic that they will do so when restrictions are removed.”
IATA claims that in order for this to happen, Covid-19 testing must be made affordable, and should be available, timely, and effective. This way, those traveling are ensured that they would not contract the virus.
To add to this, achieving herd immunity in countries also increases chances of people traveling more. In a separate study, the Asian Development Bank claims that pre-pandemic traveling will most likely return to normal in 2023 should there be no delays in providing vaccines to countries with high travel rates.
Currently, the safest thing to do is to remain home, especially for those who have yet to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Traveling puts thousands of people at risk, and opening borders could unleash chaos especially in countries where the virus remains to be a grave threat. (MO)
Tags: #travel, #airtransport, #tourism, #Covid19