Efforts must be made to enhance travellers’ confidence that they are in control and can respond to the situation effectively.
For example, providing real-time information about number of visitors in popular German malls or tourist attractions and promoting the knowledge of measures in place to keep people safe can change the minds of those sitting on the fence.
German tourism authorities should also highlight the chance of contracting the disease in Germany is negligible as the new daily infection numbers have been very low at a seven-day average of 8,000 as of Oct 3 in a population of 84 million.
The country’s healthcare sector moreover experienced a 20 per cent drop in total active cases over the past fortnight.
Potential Singapore tourists should also be told of Germany’s high hygiene standards and robust public health system to reduce perceptions that travel there is risky.
Clear guidelines around health protocols visitors can easily follow and explicit instructions on seeking help can instill confidence in dealing with the unknown.
GIVE GREATER CERTAINTY ON TESTING AND OTHER COSTS
The other key piece of information on deciding to travel is associated with added COVID-19-related costs. A round-trip to Germany or to Singapore could mean four or more PCR tests, per traveller, based on current guidelines.
The costs of these test can range from S$350 which provide results within 35 minutes to S$100 for a routine 24-hour test-result.
Even more than before, travel insurance is a must and many now offer a COVID-19 add-on coverage. These are still moderately priced – an online search revealed a one-week add-on coverage premium could range S$25 to S$50.
What travellers need from insurance providers is clarity on the policy coverage, assistance with any new issues and ease of making claims. All these can give people confidence in coping with COVID-19 situations.
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