FUTURE OF TOURISM AND COVID-19 CRISIS: THE PARADIGM SHIFT

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis has led to major changes in economic and social relations around the world. These changes have not bypassed the tourism industry, which is disproportionately more affected than other economic activities, due to numerous restrictions imposed on passengers and companies for the transport of goods and passengers. In order for the tourism economy to recover as quickly as possible and establish stable business, it is necessary to overcome current obstacles through the implementation of inventive solutions. Thus, the paper focuses on main obstacles imposed by COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions on tourism industry and their influence on tourism business model which has been called into question. The goal of the paper is to analyze key factors affecting the tourism industry, as well as to produce possible directions for future development after the establishment of normal conditions in the tourism market. In that sense, the emphasis was placed on sustainable development of tourism, further digitalization, strengthening of ecotourism and personalization and customization of services.