Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has expressed confidence that the industry will rebound at some point – but it will not be a “business as usual” approach.
In a recent podcast on titled ‘Tourism Resilience and Recovery’, Bartlett said the coronavirus (COVID-19) will inevitably subside, but how quickly will depend on guidelines being followed and citizens putting country above selfish impulses.
“As we continue to fight this crisis together, we are reminded that we have been here before and like we overcame in the past, so shall we again,” he said.
“How quickly we do so will depend significantly on the extent to which we, as citizens, are able to act selflessly and obey precautionary measures, on the one hand, while the State and the private sector must work collaboratively, on the other hand, to deploy resources and lead initiatives to encourage economic resilience as well as to help those who are suffering the greatest,” he added.
The Tourism Minister said that to this end, individuals must continue to practise social distancing and limit interactions that will increase exposure to infections.
“We must also continue to observe regulations about public gatherings, while desisting from circulating misinformation or fake news that can contribute to more panic and confusion,” he emphasised. (CMC)
