Empty Summer

As we get closer to August, which is the annual holiday month, we realise this year everything is different. In our part of Europe, people are not travelling that much. They prefer to stay in the vicinity of their home region. They understand that the health crisis is picking up and they do not want to be caught in a messy situation far away from their residence. I live in an area of my city that attracts a lot of tourists. This time, there are no visitors. I do not have to worry about parking spaces. But I worry a lot when I see the shops, restaurants and so on empty and the hotels closed. That is the reality this summer.  

Let the airlines take a chance

A brief note about civil aviation and everything related, including plane makers and service providers. This is a sector that is deeply impacted by the coronavirus crisis. It will be one where major losses will occur. Every airline is losing massive amounts of money daily. And no one can predict when the skies will open again. The longer the wait the greater the risk of insolvency, of extensive disruption. And governments cannot save the entire sector. Any public money invested in aviation economics will be based on a reduced presence in the skies, on fewer planes and fewer jobs. It will be very tough. They will be competing against so many other demands on limited public resources. But let me be clear: it is critical to resume a handful of flights. It might be less expensive than keeping the planes on the ground. And it will help everyone to see where the priorities must be. The airlines will make their choices. In this case, the first role of governments should be to facilitate air travel, to lift the restrictions that make no real sense from a public health point of view.

Tourism in Central Asia

I have been in Kyrgyzstan for little bit more than a couple of days. I still need to get out of the capital and see a bit of the country side. It will be done later in the week. But for now, I am getting the impression that the tourism potential is enormous. The country and the region have very specific cultural traits. They could attract visitors from the EU. And, as an example of its originality, Kyrgyzstan just organised the International Nomad Games. For those who attended it was a magnificent experience. However, the event is not known in the European countries. No paper writes about it.

Tourism could also be a major employment generation activity for the youth. The country is not creating enough jobs and that´s a reason for discontent among the young people. It is actually one of the major issues. 

Near Lisbon there is plenty to visit

As I drove around the greater Lisbon area I came to the conclusion that there are still many places near the Portuguese capital that are of great interest for a visitor. They should be better talked about. Sintra and Cascais are well known. They attract a good number of foreign visitors.  But there are other places, such as Ericeira by the sea or Mafra and its convent and rural landscapes that good be better publicised. Including for their cuisine and the variety of the landscapes.

Tourism is very much about the way you talk about your region. It is also about making sure you offer quality at a reasonable price. And it is nowadays, during the off-season, about being able to catch the attention of the retirees from elsewhere. They are a very important segment of the market during the low season. Things need to be organised to cater for their interests. 

Summer in Portugal

The preliminary assessments seem to indicate that this has been so far a good summer season in Portugal. The number of foreign visitors is up. Many of them chose the country because it remains tranquil and predictable. There have been no serious labour disruptions this summer.  It should continue like that.

Lisbon as seen from my veranda looks like a major destination for large cruise ships. Every day I see at least two coming in the morning for a day visit. It’s a great view. We need the business they bring in. But we also need them to have a good day in the city and be able to go back and tell everyone that the place is fine and worth the visit.

At the end of the day, tourism is about business and image. Both are critical for a country like Portugal. 

Lisbon stroll

I spent the morning walking in downtown Lisbon. And I enjoyed it. 

The city centre has benefit from some serious renovation and at this time of the year is full of light, colour and tourists. Many young tourists, from many corners of Europe, can be seen in the public places, little terrace cafés and other shops that make the heart of the Portuguese capital. 

As we stroll around, we feel safe, which is a key concern when you are visiting a big city and a foreign place.  And if you are just a visitor, you do not notice the crisis the country has been experiencing. Life looks normal. 

Well, that’s good news.

Seville

Week end in Seville, Spain. Lots of young people from different corners of Northern Europe and from Japan and China. The city might have fewer tourists this year but is still a major international attraction. And it’s worth the visit. Ever.