Right now is a scary time in our world- the Covid 19 virus is spreading and 24/7 media attention, mis-information and a nervous stock market add to the feelings of fear. Many industries are affected- ours is not the only one. But travel requires people to go places and be around others so it is one of the sectors that might be monitored and limited by the government. And the general public might pull back from traveling so we need to make plans.
Who knows what is happening?
I’m no expert in pandemics, but it is smart to keep up with those who are. Here are some links you can check daily
Things to do today
The public is nervous to travel so anything your business can do to show you are aware of the situation and taking precautions will help. Here are some ideas:
- Institute hand washing protocol for all staff. It might sound silly to say to document the process, but everything I read says thorough hand washing is one of the best activities to stop the spread of the virus. Show your staff how to do it correctly via a Youtube video. ( or this funnier one from Jimmy Kimmel!)
- Provide a hand washing station for guests at check-in.
- Document and share your cleaning practices to set guests’ minds at ease. I know I would feel more secure if my hotel room had a letter from the General Manager telling me all the things they do to keep my room sanitized before and during my stay.
- I won’t get into your business’ sick policy – some seem rigged to encourage sick people to show up anyways. But this is the time for some added flexibility. Can you develop a work from home policy for the next few months?
Staycation -2008’s word might be back
Were you working in Tourism during the 2008 recession? Gas prices were very high and the term Staycation became a top 10 word of the year. Basically it means that people still need to get out, but they are taking day trips instead of longer vacations. Dust off those programs you had in place then – they will come in handy this year.
Rescheduled and canceled Trade shows? Here’s an idea
The big news last week was ITB Berlin was canceled. This week GoWest summit was rescheduled for the end of summer. Active America China was rescheduled for the fall. Many of you now have some new free time in your schedule. Instead of filling it up with busy work, why don’t you take the time to learn something new? I have two online courses available:
WeChat Ready– Learn how to use THE social media app used by Chinese for everything from communication to retail. If you are not able to meet in person with your contacts, this is the best way to start and build a relationship. You don’t have to know a thing – my course walks you through everything. Set up your account, learn how to connect and understand how destinations and businesses can market to the world’s largest travel segment.
Fill Your Parking Lot: Secrets to Getting More Group Tours. This comprehensive course has videos, worksheets, and other resources to help you become one of the best-informed tourism professionals in the business. I have taken my 20+ years of experience working with Group tours and created this easy to follow course.
These courses are usually $97 but for today and tomorrow only, you can get them for 25% off! Go to TourismProAcademy.com and use the coupon code Freetime and you will receive a discount at check out. This is my way of helping us all find a silver lining in our current challenge.
Lessons from the Past
Things always turn around so what can we do in the short term to keep our cash registers full right now? Reach out to your partners and come up with some new ideas. Get ready for a busy fall season – history has shown that travel eventually grows to new heights after a crisis has passed.
We will get through this and travel will pick back up. Take excellent care of any customers you have now. Reach out to top clients and ask what you can do for them Get some frontline training for your staff so they are the best they can be. Wash your hands. Eat Vitamin C. Stock up on wine and chocolate. We will get through this!
Can you share this post with at least 2 people today? The more information we have, the better prepared we will all be!
How can I help you succeed in 2020?
- Are you looking to increase your Chinese visitors this year? The Coronavirus has disrupted this market, but now is the time to meet tour operators and get your offerings in their hands. There is still time to join the 2020 China Sales Mission Program. After this course, you will be ready to reap the benefits of this key market. Click on this link to learn more.
- DMOs: Let’s talk about my Online Training program for your partners! Every month I present on a topic that will help increase your partner’s professionalism and understanding of this industry. Recent topics included Sales strategies for the Hospitality industry, Hosting a FAM tour, 5 Steps to Being Group tour ready and more. People can join the training from their desks – or home. No need to meet in person.
- Looking for help in creating a Strategic Sales plan for your attraction? Reply to this email and let’s chat. I take one new client per quarter and am open the second half of the year. I would love to work with you!
- Hire me to speak at your tourism conference or event. Reply to this email and I will follow up. Have I mentioned that I have set a goal to speak at all 50 State Tourism conferences? Can you refer me to your conference planner? I would appreciate that!
- Schedule a free 15-minute call with me, or schedule a 1-hour call for a more in-depth discussion about your 2020 plans.
- Check out my Free Resources section at The Tourism Pro Academy!