Immunity passports will encourage travel and revitalise tourism

By Anish Kumar – CEO, Travel Planners

Countries like Chile, Germany, Italy, Britain and the US are looking at providing immunity passports to people who have recovered from the coronavirus, so that they feel encouraged to travel. Immunity passport is a form of documentation given to those who have recovered from Covid-19.

Those who have recovered from the impact of the coronavirus have developed herd immunity, and hence such measures are being considered to revive the travel sector.

It is estimated that around 8.33 million people have recovered from Covid-19 worldwide. They have developed antibodies against the disease and are immune to further infection. Hence, they could be issued immunity certificates, so that they feel confident of travelling again for leisure.

Many of these people, who have recovered from the disease, have undergone quarantine and isolation for a minimum of two weeks and would like to travel to relax and reconnect with nature.

Due to Covid-19, travellers in Europe and the US have missed their summer vacation trips and are looking forward to having the vaccine to plan their winter vacations. Vaccines are expected during the last quarter of 2020. Job losses, pay cuts, low disposable incomes and affluent senior citizens falling into high risk groups have affected the world tourism market. 

Moreover, people are hesitant to travel with masks and they want to go to places where no masks are required to be worn. In many countries, houses and apartments are the only places where people can live without masks and it will take some time to restart travel even if the vaccines are found. 

Travel, especially to the beach destinations, is expected towards the end of this year. There will also be plenty of healthcare related travel.