Travel + Leisure - India & South Asia
Travel in Safe Mode
The future of travel is different but bright nevertheless, shares Country Manager, Airbnb India, as he reveals what community-based tourism has in store for the first batch of explorers after the lockdown. cent. The sector also accounted for 12.75 per cent of employment share in India, according to the Ministry of Tourism’s Annual Report 2019-20.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been very hard on the sector, as it has been on many parts of the economy. Communities and businesses relying on tourism have been impacted; these include Airbnb’s (airbnb. co.in) hosts, for some of whom hosting on the platform had become the primary source of income. But it is important that all of us weather the storm, and that we come together to follow guidelines and keep our communities protected. When it is safe to venture out again, I feel that many of us will. In interviews conducted on our platform, 92 per cent of hosts said that they plan to host as often as before, or more often, once the effects of the pandemic are less severe. We are seeing a slow but substantive easing. As governments begin to review restrictions, the reality of tourism in India may look quite different for the foreseeable future, and hosts and communities will need to prepare for a new normal.
market their products and take the next step towards financial self-sufficiency.
While proximity will be one big trend, commitment to safety will be another. As travel businesses and communities come online again, they can reassure customers by adhering stringently to local guidelines and preventive healthcare advice. For a little while, people may be selective as they re-explore travel, but extra effort by businesses, hosts, and communities will build confidence, along with services that give travellers firm control over their experience—these could be flexi-bookings and cancellations, contactless check-in, hygiene standards, and limited contact during their stay. Airbnb is working with its hosts to put enhanced cleaning measures in place, which adhere to advice provided by the US’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and independent medical guidance. Even with these measures, the profile of the traveller and mode of travel itself might change in the short term. For example, people may prefer individual experiences or travel in smaller groups.
It may well be that people will look at longer stays and immersive experiences for the rest of 2020. A new crop of digitallysavvy nomads may begin to explore long stays without being tied down to one place of residence or a single place of work. As remote work is normalised and the concept of a fixed abode slowly diminishes, these travelling residents may wish to experience the world on their own terms.
These trends show us that while the mode may change, travel is here to stay. It will take the combined strength of all stakeholders—communities, governments, the industry, and travellers—to ensure the sector’s rapid revival and long-term health. We remain committed, now more than ever, to economically empower communities, drive travel to lesser-known places, and support environmentally sustainable trips.
These classic wardrobe staples will help you sail through summer effortlessly.
1. PERFUME
The One for Men Eau de Toilette,
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Grained Leather Card Holder,
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Barbiere Beard Wash,
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Line D Reversible Leather Belt,
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Urban Moisture Shampoo,
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122 Tie Driver Shoes, `38,832; harrods.com ———
Spring 2020 Menswear,
price on request; jacquemus.com
Are you planning your first vacation after the lockdown? Here’s a shopping list for when it is time to hit the road again.
1. BAG
Paula’s Ibiza Leather Gate Bucket Bag, Loewe, `1,32,012; harrods.com
Citrine,
price on request; kohinoorjewellers.com
Tortoiseshell Square Sunglasses,
`30,475; harrods.com
Wrinkle Science Spot Treatment,
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Rouge Pur Couture
Vernis À Lèvres
Water Stain Lip Gloss,
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Gold M Buckle Reversible Belt, `22,253; eastdane.com
Garavani Rockstud Flair Flat Sandals,
`47,055; harrods.com
L’Ombre des Merveilles Eau de Parfum,
`8,562; hermes.com
Pre-Fall 2020, price on request; madewell.com
MONACO GULF 2018 SPECIAL EDITION
TAG HEUER
Gulf shares the racing-car DNA with TAG Heuer, and they’ve crossed paths several times, most notably in the 1971 film Le Mans, when Steve McQueen wore a Heuer Monaco while driving a Porsche 917 that featured the Gulf logo. Launched in 1969, the Heuer Monaco was the first square and water-resistant automatic chronograph in the history of Swiss watchmaking. The Monaco Calibre 11 Gulf special edition of 2018 has many of the icon’s signature features: the 39 mm size, the crown on the left, the petroleum blue dial with two white counters, the inscribed vintage Heuer logo, the calibre 11 automatic chronograph with date, and water-resistance to 100 metres.
1. CLIFTON CLUB INDIAN LEGEND TRIBUTE, SCOUT BAUME & MERCIER
In August 2017, Baume
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Conceived at the Ferrari Design Centre and integrating Hublot’s watchmaking expertise, this watch opens a new chapter in the partnership of the two iconic brands. It is available in three versions—King Gold, PEEK Carbon, and Titanium—each of which is produced in 70 limited editions, celebrating Ferrari’s 70th anniversary. The crown at 4 o’clock—raised by a black
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GRAHAM
An iconic British watch brand and long-time partner, the Silverstone tracks present a watch inspired by the origins of racing for frequent flyers, businessmen, and gentlemen racers looking for the perfect blend of classic beauty and technological efficiency. This watch combines functions such as chronograph, GMT, big date, tachymeter, and flyback with a well-groomed look. The model allows precise time measurement with an easy-toread GMT function as well as a big date at 6 o’clock.
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4. BENTLEY GMT LIGHT BODY B04 MIDNIGHT CARBON BREITLING
In 2015, Breitling released two new faces of the Bentley GMT Light Body B04 chronograph in black titanium. Beneath the taut, sporty bodywork beats a Manufacture Breitling movement with a user-friendly second time-zone display.
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