2020-03-03
Volker Adams
Head of Political Affairs / Outbound Travel
Deutscher Reiseverband | German Travel Association
Q: Is your organization affected by the recent outbreak of coronavirus? To what extent?
A: In fact, DRV as an association is not directly affected (yet). All of my colleagues are all in good spirits. But of course we can see that the viral disease is slowly affecting the booking behaviour of the population. This in turn is reflected in the order books of our member companies.
Q: According to your optimistic estimate, how long will it take for tourism to fully recover from the negative impact of the outbreak?
A: We hope that the negative effects of the pandemic will be limited. Of course, the uncertainty is making itself felt in booking behaviour. Hopefully the wave of infection will subside in the next weeks, so that we can return to “business as usual” – not only because the Germans are in a holiday mood and want to travel.
Q. What do you think is a key point that our industry must pay attention to when it recovers from the crisis? (Please pick only one)
A: I think that we all should take some time to think about what happened. To ask ourselves the question, what measures to contain such a virus in our globalized world were effective and what was less useful? Sooner or later the time will come when we may be grateful for the experience.
Q. What change do you think the outbreak may eventually bring to the tourism industry in the future? (Please pick only one)
A: The tourism industry lives from making the world accessible to its customers. However, this essentially positive circumstance also means that travellers are faced with increasing challenges. We need to provide even better information. This could present itself as an opportunity for well trained travel agents working in travel agencies. Holidaymakers seeking good and comprehensive advice will appreciate the services offered.