A number of tourist boards and travel suppliers have begun creating a series of inspirational videos to offer a message of hope and support for the trade amid the coronavirus crisis.
South African Tourism has created two videos with the message “don’t travel now, so you can travel later,” which are hosted on its YouTube channel. Over sweeping footage of the country’s landscapes, beaches and local people, the narrator says: “We will travel again and we will gfather again. For us all to travel tomorrow, we have to stay home today. Here’s one thing I can promise you. We will make it through this.”
MSC Cruises has also released a video via its Twitter account offering striking footage of its destinations and onboard activities, with the message: “There are times when we must stand down; moments in which our instincts to wander must be put on hold. But no difficulty can stop us from dreaming, imagining and hoping for a new day. When tomorrow comes, we can turn our desire to sail into reality. Together.”
There are times when we must stand down; moments in which our instincts to wander must be put on hold. But no difficulty can stop us from dreaming, imagining and hoping for a new day. When tomorrow comes, we can turn our desire to sail into reality. Together. #AWorldOfDiscoverypic.twitter.com/cxI112ujsL
— MSC Cruises UK (@MSC_Cruises_UK) April 9, 2020
Kuoni released a film ahead of the Easter weekend urging consumers to follow advice to stay at home, but continue to reflect on their previous travel experiences.
Chief executive Derek Jones said: “Travel is life-defining. It changes and shapes the people we are. Right now, we need to stay inside and keep people safe, but we can still remember the special holiday moments, and we can still plan for the future.
“Our friends and colleagues around the world are going through their own challenges right now, but they will be waiting with open arms ready to welcome people back when it’s safe to do so.”
The video follows a series of short clips on social media featuring sounds from Kuoni’s safari destinations under the hashtag #KuoniMoments.
Let us whisk you away for a moment. Switch your sound on and settle down for a few soothing seconds of escapism. We’re taking you on safari…#KuoniMomentspic.twitter.com/wWFdmFXZ4T
— Kuoni (@KuoniTravelUK) April 8, 2020
Turn the volume up and escape for a few moments to one of our favourite places. Here’s the first in our new series – we hope it will transport you to the real place.#KuoniMomentspic.twitter.com/XA4HB4u57e
— Kuoni (@KuoniTravelUK) April 7, 2020
Emirates has released a video of a deserted Dubai lit up at night with the message: “After every night comes the dawn. We will get through this together.”
After every night comes the dawn. We will get through this together. #MyDubai#StayHome © Bachir Moukarzel pic.twitter.com/G05nWXsBt9
— Emirates Airline (@emirates) April 8, 2020
Intrepid Travel has also released a video offering inspiring content from across its touring portfolio, saying “Today we must be apart, so that someday soon, we can all be together.”
British Airways has released a one-minute video entitled ‘Dear Britain’ featuring dozens of the airline’s staff including engineers, call-centre staff and pilots, with the message ‘we love you Britain’.
Visit Jamaica released an inspiring video via its Facebook page, featuring footage from recognisable spots including Dunn’s River Falls and the heart-shaped over-the-water villas at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay.
Its narrator said: “We know that brighter days will return. After times of crisis, travel has always brought the world together.
“We look forward to when next we meet again.”
Cosmos sister brand Globus posted a video on YouTube with a message encouraging customers to keep dreaming of the day they can travel again.
Visit Jersey has launched a new video aiming to remind people that Jersey will be waiting for them when it is safe to travel again.
For more travel inspiration, go to Travel Weekly’s Destinations page where we will continue to bring you ideas for where to go when travel restrictions are lifted.