Never quit your dreams…

The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by surprise, disrupting lives, economies, and casting a shadow of uncertainty over the future. Among the hardest-hit sectors was tourism. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, global international arrivals were projected to drop by 20–30% in 2020, resulting in estimated losses of $30–50 billion. Travel plans plummeted by 80–90%, and countless attractions—museums, galleries, amusement parks—shut their doors. Concerts and sporting events were either canceled or indefinitely postponed. Borders closed, either partially or entirely, and airlines, cruise lines, and hotels faced unprecedented declines. Millions of jobs vanished, leaving a deep economic scar.
New Realities in Travel
In response, countries implemented strict travel regulations to curb the spread of the virus. Even as the outbreak subsides, recovery for the tourism industry could take up to 10 months. But one thing is clear: the world we return to will not be the same. Travel will become more complex. Enhanced security protocols may extend check-in times. Airport access could be restricted to ticketed passengers only. Face masks will probably remain mandatory during flights and in terminals. And more rules are sure to follow.
Hope on the Horizon
Despite the challenges, the desire to explore remains strong. We must be patient and wait for conditions to stabilize. When the time is right, travel will resume—slowly, cautiously, but surely.
Rediscovering Local Wonders
In the meantime, local travel offers a meaningful alternative. There are countless parks, trails, and attractions nearby waiting to be explored. Supporting local tourism not only satisfies our wanderlust but also helps revive the travel sector. One rising trend is slow tourism, particularly staycations—a blend of vacationing and staying home.
The Joy of Staycations
Staycations are all about relaxation and enjoyment without the stress of long-distance travel. Whether it’s visiting a nearby lake, museum, or zoo, going for a bike ride, hosting a backyard picnic, or simply taking a nap—there are endless ways to unwind. They’re often more affordable and remove hassles like jet lag, packing, and airport queues. Plus, they offer economic benefits to local businesses and can even spark new entrepreneurial opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The world will heal, and when it does, there will be so much more to explore. Until then, stay safe, stay hopeful, and never stop dreaming.
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Hello Angela, this must be your first article … The reader has stopped there! So, I must have liked all of your articles. I hope to read you soon Marie-Anne
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Hello Marie-Anne! Yes it was my first one. Thank you very much for reading and following. Very appreciated !
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You’re welcome, Angela, it’s a pleasure … See you soon!
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