The Worldwide Tourism Commerce Honest will get to grips with new journey aspirations

During the pandemic, did we all dream of traveling again, be it around the world or just to the unknown and unexplored corners of our own country?

The International Tourism Fair, held in Madrid from May 19-23, was full of hopeful proposals to whet everyone’s appetite for travel.

For the first time since the pandemic, 5,000 professionals from 55 countries came together to take part in this event. They all offer many opportunities to take over tourism and help the sector recover. Sustainability, diversification and security were high on the agenda.

Restore trust

Confidence in travel increases. Health safety protocols, vaccinations and the lifting of restrictions allow Spain, like many other European countries, to bring back visitors. Miguel Sanz, the general manager of Turespaña, was at the fair. He tells Euronews that it is important that the sector help people feel good again. He tells us, “Travel is safe, it is an activity that has always been linked to personal growth. We must not let this pandemic associate you with negative things.” He wants travel to continue to be about dreams, aspirations, and improving our perception of the world.

Emotional escapism

Spain’s tourist attraction is enormous. The Valencia region is just one of the richest areas to discover. The offer and the exciting visitors are diverse and show how the tourism sector wants to recover.

Francesc Colomer is the Regional Secretary for Tourism in the Region of Valencia. He describes how travel or vacation changes your perception of life for a while. According to him, you will experience a “different emotional quality” during these holidays and the Valencia region would like to embark on post-covid travel there. “People need an emotional boost and in this area we want to keep connecting with people,” he adds.

For those looking for an escape, the region also offers sun, beaches, music, festivals, nature, hiking and biking.

In addition, vaccinated tourists can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes this summer without quarantine or COVID tests.

Reopening of Latin America

For remote adventures, Peru is also a must. For Claudia Cornejo, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, the interaction between local communities and visitors is vital to modern travel.

She tells us that the pandemic has changed us and the way we will travel. “We will rediscover the world with new and different experiences and see what connects us.” For them, that’s the beauty of traveling.

As in many countries, Peru has put in place protocols and quality assurance guarantees so that people can safely visit its cultural and natural heritage sites. The country also hopes to regain 15% of its tourism this year.

After a difficult year, Guatemala is also opening its doors. Visitors can again enjoy the green, cultural and archaeological heritage. In Guatemala, the tourism sector is focused on biosafety, social distancing, and health protocols. Mynor Cordón, the country’s tourism minister, hopes visitors can do so “while enjoying the open air and greenery of Guatemala”.

The pandemic has undoubtedly shaped global tourism. The industry has understood that tourists are looking for sustainable, more diverse and emotionally connected destinations.