Technology is key to rebooting tourism
Companies must accelerate integration of digital capabilities into their business to provide travellers with a contactless experience and securely protect their personal data.
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SOUTH-EAST Asia relies heavily on tourism. In 2019, the travel and tourism industry contributed 12 per cent of the region's gross domestic product (GDP) and about one in 10 people are employed within and around it, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
Nationwide lockdowns and international border closures imposed to contain the pandemic have been detrimental for the industry across the region. There are, however, some small green shoots of recovery with a focus on domestic tourism and local spending.
Popular tourist destinations like Thailand are poised to reopen and other destinations are also considering bilateral "travel bubbles", "green lanes" and "travel corridors". Sojern, a tourism data analytics company, recently reported that online searches for Bali hotels have almost reached pre-pandemic levels based on potential reopening early next year.
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