As we watch the spread of coronavirus, it’s a reminder of how quickly a situation in one part of the world can affect us all. Travel advisors are already seeing the impact of the outbreak. According a survey conducted by Travel Weekly, nearly 64% of agents report losing business as a result of the virus. Plus, more than 45% say the cancellations have spread to trips outside Asia, and nearly two-thirds (63.7%) have seen an overall slowdown in future trip planning. (Note: Travel Weekly and TravelAge West are both owned by Northstar Travel Group.)
As these responses highlight, advisors need to take action to successfully manage their businesses during these tough times. For one thing, agents should make sure they have diversified their offerings. It’s always good practice to offer a range of trip-planning expertise — and it’s especially important during a crisis.
Advisors should also do what they can to counter the often hysterical tone of the mainstream news media with more positive headlines. For instance, last week, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL) announced complimentary cruises for emergency responders in Australia and the U.S. and, eventually, in China, using ships previously scheduled to sail in China and Asia. And, especially pertinent to advisors in the West, Celebrity Millennium will be positioned on the West Coast and will offer a series of free cruises for California firefighters, veterans and other first responders. The “Cruising for Heroes” sailings will operate throughout March and April.
“When things go wrong, this is a company that wants to find a way to help,” said Richard Fain, CEO of RCCL. “At Royal Caribbean, we consider ourselves fortunate to be able to use our ships in a positive way during difficult times.”
This story and others like it remind clients that cruise lines have heart and want to make a positive impact. Frankly, it’s also a good reminder to the travel industry that we have a lot to be proud of, and that when we work together, we can better navigate difficult times.