This week in Green Tagged: We discuss how different countries are recovering their tourism sectors amid the pandemic. The through line is, of course, how well local governments are containing the virus to ease consumer distress. Western countries continue with broad approaches which Eastern countries experiment with targeted approaches. In Europe, attractions are shutting back down. Demand is suffering in the UAE despite attractions remaining open. Indonesia and South Korea are experimenting with more targeted recovery plans. In the US, Universal is down 81% and yet Comcast reaffirms commitment to park development. Six Flags is surveying guests about mandating COVID testing for park entry.
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Attractions in Europe are Shutting Down
Multiple theme parks in Europe are shutting down per government orders, including Legoland in Windsor, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, and Chessington World of Adventures. Alton Towers in Staffordshire hopes to reopen Dec. 3.
Demand Remains Repressed Where Virus Is Not Controlled
Even when theme parks are open, as long the virus is not controlled, demand remains repressed. However, the large players assume crowds will return eventually as they continue investment. DXB Entertainments posted a 97% revenue decline yet “has confirmed that its Legoland hotel is on track to open in December this year.” Universal Parks are resorts is down 81% from the same quarter last year yet executive stated “the company’s theme park business could break even sometime in 2021.”
Targeted Recovery Plans
The Indonesian and South Korean governments are experimenting with highly targeted tourism recovery and aid plans. Previously we discussed Hong Kong’s new certification program, and it’s worth noting that the eastern countries and avoiding full shutdowns. Indonesia is focusing “on boosting domestic tourist demand by rolling out travel package discounts to Indonesian nationals, particularly the upper-middle class and millennial segment.” They’re also targeting relief at regions “where hotel and restaurant tax accounted for at least 15 percent of the locally generated income (PAD) during the 2019 fiscal year.” South Korea is expanding from a 3 tier closing system to a 5 tier closing system. This allows businesses to stay open by limiting activities, such as the “new 1.5 restriction level allows clubs to stay open but stops patrons from dancing to minimise contact.”
Mandating COVID Tests to Enter Theme Park
Meanwhile in the US, Orlando weekly Reports that Six Flags is surveying guests about mandating that all guests take a rapid COVID test for entry. Neither Scott nor I are opposed to this, but we’re worried if parks rely exclusively on rapid test (IE dropping the sanitary and mask practices), it will lead to an outbreak.
