The next normal will favour the best prepared

The tourism industry over the years has become one of the most lucrative in the world. However, the industry depends on people traveling to various places, and nobody has been going anywhere since March essentially. COVID-19 has caused so much change within a short amount of time, change that has forced the industry to find creative ways to adapt. One may observe that there is quite a notable amount of effort in Botswana towards reinventing and coming up with creative ideas that should last even after COVID-19, this will be the next normal. Resourcefulness is indeed occurring in a time of crisis, and much is being learnt while a change in the way things are being approached, moving away from the past. New approaches imposed by the COVID-19 restrictions and the fears of personal health in our working modes and lifestyles as well as business operations, have slowed down every economic actor giving the opportunity to reflect on the impacts of our previous practices. We are at a point where we are rethinking of sustainable alternative operating models and reimagining new ways to move forward. Following lockdowns and people being cooped at home due to COVID-19, as restrictions slowly loosen travel and trade restrictions to open up the economy for eliminating downturn and hardship. For the tourism sector, the question remains, will people travel, and if they do, how will their travel behaviour differ in relation to pre-COVID-19? And are the tourism operators and destinations ready and willing to welcome tourists and satisfy their (new) expectations and needs? COVID-19 aside, many arguments have leaned towards Botswana’s tourism industry not being inclusive for the average Motswana particularly looking at the concept of low value high value tourism that has significantly contributed to ecotourism, uniquely moving away from your typical mass tourism in the country. This type of tourism seems to be that which is surviving this pandemic. One may predict that people will prefer to take the wheel rather than take the skies at the moment; we can see people travelling in smaller groups, usually with family and known friends that they trust. Flexible personal itineraries whereby travellers can customise the group size, activities and timings seem to dominate the predictions for the next normal. The travel agent now knows that large group packaged traveling will most likely suffer because of the need to keep social distancing and constantly expects last minute bookings or cancellations due to the dynamically changing situation and conditions. Equally, people will most likely prefer to travel more often but in shorter periods with day trips to regions nearby. Stays in private small accommodation units and campsites will probably be preferred against stays at large crowded resorts and hotels. Travellers will probably seek leisure activities that are outdoors and eliminate close contact with others, as a result of their health fears. Virtual tourism advertising and marketing are proving to popularise this next normal for tourism in Botswana as people have been isolating for a while but constantly have access to their computers. Private intimate establishments stand a chance of gaining from the next normal.