The vaccines are here! We are starting to turn this pandemic around!!
Not so fast… Let’s examine some facts that affect all of us.
We have all heard about the expectation of vaccine availability. For most of the US and Canada population, mass availability will be most likely in second and third quarters of 2021. For other global regions, mass availability may take much longer. In fact, this article points out a well known fact that appears to be overlooked at this time – that only one disease has been eradicated from the global population by use of a vaccine. Like the common cold or seasonal flu, Covid-19 will be with mankind for the foreseeable future.
Over the past nine months, we have all modified our actions in some manner. As we consider a future in which pandemics may become more frequent or more chronic, it becomes critical for each of us to consider how we adapt to this uncertain future. As an example, wearing a mask may become a necessity. None of us like it – but the well being of our immediate families and ourselves may be dependent on this new item being merged into our daily wardrobe. For the sake of business continuity, you have had to make choices for your staff and their needs. These type of considerations will become part of our daily routine, rather than an exceptional issue.
I found it interesting to consider how a segment of the consumer market has responded to the change in environmental conditions. Have you shopped for a new home appliance in the past few months? Apparently, consumers are snapping up appliances with increased sanitation functionality, even in home kitchen appliances. Fascinating to consider our behavioral responses to this pandemic!
Our industry needs to adapt as well. Airlines and airports continue to make adaptations in their operating environment. The BHS industry must continue to adjust as well. What additional steps do we consider as an industry? Can we build greater confidence for the traveling public by continuing to harden our infrastructure for cleanliness? Something similar to the appliances using steam to kill over 99.9% of viruses?
The travel industry, and as a consequence our industry, are driven by public perception. While we deal with facts, we must adjust to the reality of the lens through which we are observed from the traveling public. Our future depends on adaptation to the current and future operational environment.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and responses. Feel free to drop me a message, and share perspectives from your corner of the industry. I look forward to seeing you (virtually) at the IABSC Annual Summit, January 27-28 2021. Stay safe!