GetYourGuide has seen requests to purchase activities on its platform cut in half due to the increasingly widespread outbreak of the coronavirus Covid-19 in many countries around the world.
The coronavirus has spared no part of the economy, but it is undeniable that the tourism industry is paying the highest price. Online services, like those offered by the German company GetYourGuide, are no exception and were previously thriving with high profits.
According to Kevin May from PhocusWrite, “Travelers are frightened by the spread of the pandemic (ed., latest definition by the WHO) of the coronavirus worldwide, with many canceling or postponing what they plan to do at their destination,” helped along by the numerous restrictions being added every hour by countries across all continents..
Kevin May added: “the tour and activity booking site states that calls to its call center have tripled, and its global cancellation rate has increased by 20% compared to normal levels. This is due to an overall 50% decline in bookings over the past two weeks. The sad business result of the virus spreading in more than 100 countries worldwide, including some of Europe’s top tourist destinations such as Italy—which is now in lockdown—has triggered a trend to stay put”.
Interest in local activities is growing
Data from the German company indicates that travelers are turning to booking activities closer to home that don’t require a flight. Interest (not bookings) in experiences within domestic markets has increased by 7%, particularly among Spanish, American, and Australian travelers.
Travelers are also taking more time before booking, with “spontaneous” decisions being made within three days of the activity start time (an increase of 15%).
The rapid pace at which the virus is spreading to new countries is shown by previous data from GetYourGuide, which just a week ago (March 4) showed a 25% drop in global bookings compared to the current 50% decline.
GetYourGuide, finally, has launched an initiative to provide full refunds to customers who cancel a booking more than 24 hours in advance.
Pubblicato in TravelNews
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