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Most parts of the economy are suffering from the impact of COVID-19, but few have been hit as hard as the travel industry. Many of the world’s governments have opted to restrict travel to slow the spread of the disease. Plenty of potential travelers are choosing to stay home to minimize the risk of infection. Those problems will eventually disappear once humanity gets the disease under control, but there are a few changes that are likely to stick around after things get back to normal.

A Focus on Cleanliness

Proper hygiene is one of the most powerful tools that humanity has for preventing the spread of disease. While people may have neglected it in the past, the COVID-19 outbreak is highlighting its importance. Travelers are likely to remember that and insist on cleaner hotel rooms, flights, and ships. Businesses will need to respond to that demand in order to attract customers.

Shorter, Quicker Trips

The COVID-19 outbreak may also change the way that people travel. People may prefer to take trips to local attractions rather than distant ones, or to stay within their own country rather than going abroad. Cars may have more appeal to the average traveler than ships, planes, or trains because they offer a little more isolation from crowds. Those trips will also be more affordable for the average person, which may be an important consideration in the time before the economy recovers from COVID-19.

Increasing Demand

People are going to want to travel once it is safe to do so. After all, many people are struggling to maintain their mental health in the relative isolation of their own homes. Traveling will offer them a chance to get out of the house and take in some new sights. That will be very appealing to people who have been stuck in one place for weeks or even months on end.

That will be great news for the hospitality industry. An increase in demand may be able to help repair the damage that businesses will suffer during the outbreak. That will be especially important for local economies in regions that depend on tourism. Things may be hard right now, but there is plenty of hope for recovery in the long run.