#INTHEKNOW: Africa Travel Week launches virtual events for the tourism industry

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"The bite-sized #INTHEKNOW brainstorming events are part of this new platform and aim to bring together the greatest minds in travel and tourism to come up with innovative solutions to some of the most difficult challenges we’ve ever faced."

“After realising the fatigue of many stuck in hours-long webinars for a month plus, the bite-sized event concept was born," says Natalia Rosa, managing director, Big Ambitions.

The first #INTHEKNOW event took place on 7 May 2020 and saw industry players come up with concrete solutions on how travel companies can prepare for a possible December timeline for domestic tourism recovery as predicted by Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.

The tourism industry agreed that a December timeline for domestic tourism recovery was a too conservative approach and that the industry could play a valuable part in convincing the government that a shorter recovery timeframe would not only be possible, but also much less risky than anticipated.

Although the onus is on the government to formulate the required health and safety measures needed for the opening of the tourism sector, the industry can be proactive and demonstrate its willingness to adapt and put measures and protocols in place to ensure the health and safety of travellers.

Collaboration, innovation

A few of the suggestions included a risk assessment that would take into consideration occupancy levels of hotels and the remoteness of the destination, as well as checklists on safety measures. Greater collaboration will be needed across the industry and common agreements will need to be put into place.

Tourism players also formulated the need for an information hub where industry players can find an overview of safety standards and best practice for hotels, lodges, transport and attractions. This information hub could also outline airline practices and the gradual reopening of routes as well as destination constraints and guidelines and business advice.

An attendee at the #INTHEKNOW virtual event, Clive Friedberg from Executive Touring commented that "after taking part in many webinars over the last few weeks I was impressed by the ease, comfort and especially the quality of discussion that was achieved." He also added that he was looking forward to joining the next one.

Part Two of the #INTHEKNOW series will be held on Thursday, 28 May 2020 at 2pm. For more details on how to register, email: az.oc.acirfaopxedeer@tcennocwta or visit the Africa Travel Week website.