Tourism and COVID-19 - Essay Sample

Introduction

Tourism is one of the world’s largest contributors to economic growth and fetches foreign exchange (Jordan et al., 2019). Over the years, many people travel from one destination to another in search of attractive sites or other factors like better health care. Furthermore, different communities or establishments use their natural environment to attract tourists or change certain setups like constructing goldfields or building historical monuments like the Taj Mahal in India. More often than not, communities adjust with the need presented by the consumers and fine-tune accordingly to ensure that they continue to attract as many visitors as possible (Jordan et al., 2019). Moreover, the visits are always conducted in a more relaxed manner and with fewer restrictions. However, due to COVID-19, many destinations have had to adjust their operations according to the guidelines. This paper will consider some of the modifications that Disneyland World has made to allow its operations amidst the pandemic.

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Adjustments Made

Like many other attraction sites globally, Disney closed its operations when the cases of COVID-19 surged. The severity of the diseases necessitated the closure. Consequently, the measure was one of the ways of limiting the spread due to the contagious nature. Due to the measures, nearly all the establishments have suffered big losses and further led to job loss. Because of these needs, Disneyland has developed several measures to slowly open up its operations and allow tourists to visit once again in a very structured manner (Reichert, 2020).

Social Distancing

The organization has put in place measures to ensure that the spread of the ailment is controlled considerably. There are markings on the ground around the parks to ensure that social distancing is achieved (Reichert, 2020). Thus, the restrictions do allow only a certain number of visitors at a time in the premise. Additionally, all the tourists must have their musk before gaining access (Reichert, 2020). Consequently, these two measures have helped control the spread but, at the same time, allowed tourism to coke and enjoy the landmarks. Moreover, enclosed areas like the hotels are still closed in most areas since they encourage the disease (Reichert, 2020).

Online Platforms

Also, Disneyland has incorporated the use of online platforms to reach as many people as possible. People can go online and experience the happenings in the comfort of their homes (Reichert, 2020). Furthermore, though this approach does not bring the fast hand thrill that comes with the actual visits, both the locals and the international community can see the happenings as the severity as the situation improves (Reichert, 2020). Online marketing is slowly gaining traction, and this is something that establishments can consider even after the curve has flattened.

Conclusion

The world is slowly changing, and museums and other attraction sites must adjust accordingly to ensure that they remain in business even when such a calamity strikes again. Furthermore, Disneyland has performed exceptionally well, and other organizations should emulate such acts. However, communities should strive to protect the natural heritage in ensuring that these beautiful sites are preserved. Additionally, the pandemic has changed how things are done; thus, moving forward, more resources must be allocated to this sector to enhance its continuity even in tough times. To control the pandemic, everyone should be responsible and play their part.

References

Jordan, E. J., Spencer, D. M., & Prayag, G. (2019). Tourism impacts, emotions, and stress. Annals of Tourism Research, 75, 213-226.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0160738319300118

Reichert, C.(2020). Disney struggled with reopening global theme parks following COVID-19 closures. Cnet.
https://www.cnet.com/health/when-disneyland-disney-world-might-reopen-following-covid-19-closures-struggles-layoffs/.