Practising Responsible Tourism During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Note: This article was initially written in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. While COVID-19 restrictions have largely been lifted worldwide as of 2025, the principles of responsible tourism discussed here remain valuable for future travel planning.

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global travel, bringing unprecedented disruptions that reshaped how we think about exploration, safety, and community responsibility. Understanding this period offers valuable insights for thoughtful travel practices today.

Effects of COVID-19 to travel

The global travel landscape underwent a seismic shift as borders closed and stay-at-home orders took effect. Iconic tourist destinations stood empty, major events like the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were postponed, and international tourist arrivals plummeted by 44% in early 2020. Cities including Madrid, Paris, London, and New York saw dramatic decreases in local journeys, underscoring the pandemic's widespread impact.

Despite these challenges, the travel industry demonstrated remarkable resilience. As aviation analyst Paul Charles noted, the fundamental human desire to explore is innate, suggesting the industry's inevitable recovery.

• Global Impact of COVID-19 on Travel

   The COVID-19 pandemic transcended national boundaries, leading to widespread border closures and global stay-at-home orders. Travel ground to a halt, effectively bringing the entire world to a standstill. The initial crisis in Italy served as a stark warning for other countries, including the UK, highlighting the severity of the situation.

• Empty Tourist Hotspots

  Iconic tourist destinations that were once bustling with visitors suddenly stood empty and deserted. Notable places such as cafes, bars, restaurants, museums, theatres, and theme parks had to close their doors. Even major global events, such asthe 2020 Tokyo Olympics, were postponed, intensifying the impact on international tourism.

• Local and Global Impact on Journeys

  The pandemic affected not only international travellers but also residents. Using data from Citymapper, it was clear that cities such as Madrid, Paris, London, and New York saw a significant decrease in local journeys by residents. This trend underscored the pandemic's dual impact at both regional and global levels.

• Resilience and Unity Amid Challenges

  Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, people exhibited remarkable resilience, compassion, and unity. Aviation analyst Paul Charles pointed out that the fundamental desire to explore and experience new places is an innate human trait, indicating that the travel industry would eventually recover from the setbacks.

• Evolution of Travel Accessibility

  The ease of modern travel, in which one can book a flight and arrive in a different country within hours, has deep historical roots. Ancient civilisations such as the Phoenicians, the Mayans, and the Shang dynasty engaged in travel driven by curiosity, commerce, and religious motives. This accessibility has evolved to shape the contemporary travel landscape.

• Origins of Modern Tourism

  The ease of modern travel has deep historical roots, from ancient civilisations such as the Phoenicians and the Mayans to the 17th-century "Grand Tour" undertaken by European aristocrats. By 2018, tourism contributed approximately $1.7 trillion to the global economy, with 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals, a testament to how budget airlines, online booking platforms, and digital innovations made travel accessible to millions.

Staying Informed on Safe Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic accelerated several innovations that continue to influence travel today:

Digital Solutions: Contactless technologies, including fingerprint identification, facial recognition, and digital health documentation, became standard practice.

Travel Corridors: Countries formed "travel bubbles" and implemented traffic light systems to categorise destinations based on risk levels.

Virtual Experiences: Museums, landmarks, and attractions developed virtual tours, demonstrating how technology can complement physical travel experiences.

Travel Corridors and Plans:

Traffic Light Systems: Countries categorise others as green, amber, or red based on COVID-19 prevalence.

Green Lanes: Suggested for pre-screened travellers, potentially including those with COVID-19 immunity antibodies.

Digital Innovations in Travel

• Contactless Innovations: Automation, including contactless fingerprint identification, iris and face recognition, and touchless entry systems, could reduce infection risks.
• Digital Identity: Digital identities could allow data-based risk assessments, enabling safer and smoother travel.
• Digital Health Passport: Such passports could indicate travellers' health status, allowing safer movement.

Ensuring Comfortable Travel

• Country Policies for Safe Tourism: Countries like Spain have introduced the Safe Tourism Certified system, which sets standards for industries and gives visitors confidence.
• Domestic Tourism Promotion: Many countries offer holiday vouchers and promotions to encourage local travel.
• Reassuring Anxious Travellers: For those hesitant to travel,options include postponing trips, carefully choosing destinations, purchasing travel insurance, and staying up to date on news and regulations.

Essential Tips for Safe Holiday Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic 

As holiday travel persists amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritising safety remains paramount. Navigating the delicate balance between enjoying a well-deserved break and adhering to health guidelinesdemands careful planning. Explore these essential tips to ensure your holiday travel is both rejuvenating and responsible in these unprecedented times.

Whether travelling during challenging times or in more stable conditions, certain principles remain crucial:

Stay Informed: Regularly check official travel advisories and destination-specific regulations. Travel conditions can change rapidly, requiring flexibility and patience.

Prioritise Health and Hygiene: Maintain rigorous personal hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, avoiding touching your face, and following local health guidelines.

Respect Local Communities: Support local economies by purchasing locally-made products and using community-based services. Be mindful of your impact on both the environment and local populations.

Practice Social Awareness: In crowded spaces, remain conscious of others' comfort levels. Outdoor activities often present lower-risk options for exploration.

Plan Responsibly: Consider travel insurance, understand cancellation policies, and choose destinations that prioritise visitor safety and clear communication.

In Conclusion

Staying well-informed about regulations, embracing personal hygiene practices, and demonstrating patience and adaptability in the evolving travel landscape are paramount to safe and enjoyable holidays. The interplay of individual responsibility and collective efforts will contribute to the resurgence of a vibrant and secure travel industry.

Looking Forward

Current Context (2025): The specific COVID-19 restrictions, quarantine requirements, and health protocols described in this article reflected the situation in 2021 and are no longer widely in effect. However, the core principles of responsible tourism—respecting local communities, prioritising health and safety, and travelling mindfully, remain timeless.

The pandemic period revealed both tourism's vulnerabilities and its remarkable capacity for adaptation. As travel continues to evolve, the lessons learned during this time, emphasising safety, sustainability, and respect for communities, provide a foundation for more thoughtful exploration in the years ahead.

The human desire to explore and experience new cultures endures. By travelling responsibly, we ensure that this fundamental aspect of human nature can be enjoyed by future generations while benefiting the communities and environments we visit.