FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Global Traveler’s Globility Board Shares Thoughts, Suggestions and More for Tourism Boards as COVID-19 Continues to Affect the Travel Industry

by Kimberly Inlander

Apr 27, 2020

Elizaveta Galitskaya | Dreamstime.com

Travel Tips

In 2012, Global Traveler compiled a group of its subscribers to serve as its Globility Board. After an interview and vetting process, the members have served the publication in many capacities: as a focus group for clients, as a resource for articles and, now, to provide thoughts, suggestions and more for tourism boards as they face the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

 

Below is the third in a four-part series with our Globility Board. They also came together to offer support for hotels, airlines and cruises.

 

On our tourism board committee was Tom and Celeste Linhard, a husband and wife based in Colorado that have both flown more than 2 million miles with United Airlines; and Iris Childress, a cloud computing engineer with Microsoft Corp.

 

When the committee spoke, the quarantine and lockdowns were still developing in some areas. The Linhards were at the beginning of Colorado’s lockdown and were already considering road trips, while Childress, based in Seattle, was on a week of business travel that required both flights and a rental car. According to Childress, planes were half full, but not much had changed in the airport except for all the restaurant closures. The airplanes were spotless, and travelers were in masks.

 

While Childress worries how quickly people and business can remobilize once the bans lift, all agreed deals and discounts will get travelers back on the roads and in the air. Tom Linhard suggested canceled festivals worldwide should begin promoting rescheduled dates as soon as possible, and state tourism boards should consider “drive to us” campaigns to promote road trips, especially with gas prices at a low. The tourism boards could even partner regionally to promote trips to specific areas of the country. And, in areas where road trips aren’t as possible, it was mentioned tourism boards might consider pairing with regional airlines to offer incentives to travelers.

 

It was widely agreed  travelers are likely to first return to the worldwide destinations that best handled the virus, or at least those perceived to have handled it well. Many agreed tourism boards may use influencers, social media and travel journalists to promote that destinations are back open for business.

 

And which destinations are these intrepid travelers planning to visit once travel is able to return to normal? Childress is planning a trip to Asia in November, over the Thanksgiving holiday, and the LInhards are hoping to return to Europe on a two-week cruise in August. Tom Linhard will also return to Asia for business as soon as possible.

 

What suggestions do you have for tourism boards in the face of the COVID-19 crisis? Share with us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com.

 

Along with the Globility Board, we here at FXExpress Publications, Inc. cannot wait to #ComeBacktoTravel, and have you all #ComeBacktoGT, #ComeBacktoTrazee and #ComeBacktoWhereverFamily.

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Destinations / North America
Feb 11, 2025

National Civil Rights Museum Announces Acquisition of Collection, Opening of Exhibition

A powerful new exhibit is coming to National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel for family travelers to Memphis. The museum has acquired the archive of Bayard Rustin, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Museum and an advocate for non-violence, human rights and equality. To honor the collection, the Speaking Truth to Power: The Life of Bayard Rustin exhibit opens March 28, for eight months, in the State of Tennessee Gallery.

Discover the Magic of East Crete: A Perfect Family Getaway

East Crete is a blend of stunning landscapes, history and charming towns, making it an ideal family destination. Far from the crowds of the west, the region offers pristine beaches, ancient sites and authentic Cretan villages.

Hotels
Feb 11, 2025

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Debuts Winter Getaway Experience

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, a stunning waterfront resort on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, announced a winter getaway experience for family travelers planning some last-minute fun in the cold. With this new promotion, guests can participate in the resort’s top winter experiences.

Destinations / North America
Feb 10, 2025

Beverly Hills Offers Attainable Luxury for Families

Family travelers to California’s Southland are often overwhelmed by one major issue: Where to stay? Let’s face it, the options are legion. You can stay near the beach for the quintessential SoCal experience, head to Hollywood for an entertainment-heavy stay or book a room downtown for a trendy experience. While each location has something unique to offer, one beautiful destination is ideally located so you can visit all of these Los Angeles areas while enjoying a life of luxury during your stay.

Madrid: A Destination for All Ages

However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!

Destinations / North America
Feb 10, 2025

Frost-Free Winter Outdoor Adventures in Mississippi

Travel with your family to Mississippi for frost-free outdoor adventure. Beat the winter blues by exploring Mississippi’s diverse landscapes in mild spring temperatures.