Covid-19 pandemic has been the epicentre of all the problems and challenges faced around the world. Though the pandemic has created a wave of shock and affected businesses and people worldwide, the major hit is on the travel and hospitality industry given all the border closures, travel restrictions and lockdowns. Airlines, cruise, train, bus operators and hotels are seeing instant effects of the pandemic.
Below are some figures and facts on the effects of the pandemic on tourism sector (According to Business Standard)
The Indian tourism industry is projected to book a revenue loss of Rs 1.25 trillion in calendar 2020 as a fall out of the shutdown of hotels and suspension in flight operations after the onset and spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
During April-June, the Indian tourism industry is expected to book a revenue loss of Rs 69,400 crore, denoting a year-on-year (y-o-y) loss of 30 per cent.
From travel to flying and hospitality, the industry will incur enormous damages globally as this was the first industry to get affected and it may well be the last to recover.
A few ways on how COVID-19 has impacted on the tourism industry in the following ways:
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- Millions of people have lost their jobs in the tourism industry
- The international tourist arrivals will be down by 20% to 30% in 2020 when compared with 2019 figures
- There are advanced cancellations and highly reduced forward booking pipelines for the holiday season.
How the Hotel industry was impacted?
Hoteliers anticipate the following months might be tough for the hospitality industry with no definite vision of recovery. Though the takeaway counters for hotels was ongoing, but the lockdown has hugely hit the overall revenue of the hospitality industry. Hotels across the country are now virtually closed for the last one month or so with essentially zero revenues while having to bear with mounting fixed costs. The next 6 months are going to be extremely tough for business and only the ones who have operated with a tight leash on their finances and guest experience might survive.
Food delivery in train and COVID-19
Indian Railways plays a vital role in the economy and the lives of people in India.
With certain precautionary measures taken by the railway ministry food delivery in train will be more hygienic and better.
Let us look into a few precautionary measures taken:
- Staff with symptoms like cough, fever, running nose or difficulty in breathing should not be deployed in the business of food handling
- All catering staff to maintain personal hygiene as per FSSAI’s food safety norms/standards
- It is mandatory to wear hand gloves, facemask, headgear, etc. while dealing with food production
- Frequently washing hands with soaps, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, avoid contact with persons coughing or sneezing, change the hand gloves frequently and dispose them off in closed dustbins is advised
- Supervisors deployed in catering establishments to maintain personal hygiene as well as impart counselling to their subordinates in this regard
- Catering establishments have been asked to maintain proper cleanliness, use of disinfectant on frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Ensure proper packaging of food items and to avoid use of loose items as far as possible
- The catering units have also been asked to ensure strict prohibition of entry of outsiders or unauthorized persons in food dealing areas.
Food delivery in train by Traveler food
At Traveler Food, you can order your food in train and be assured that quality and authentic food delivery in train services are offered with the highest safety standards. The safety of our delivery persons and customers is our top most priority and see to it that all the guidelines issued by the railway department is followed during train food delivery.
COVID-19 pandemic has treaded the path of the new normal for businesses and people across the world and Indian Railways has the choice to consider the current crisis as an opportunity and completely overhaul its passenger and freight transportation segments.