After a year that was one of the most difficult on record for the international tourism industry, grinding the market to a halt in most countries, there has finally been observable initial recoveries in the first half of 2021 and indicators of a broader resurgence coming. This is an important time for businesses and prospective workers in the industry. As the World starts to find it’s new normal you can prepare yourself with the right sort of skills that will be in demand in the post-covid recovery. Positive developments There have already been significant market recoveries of tourism in many countries. In most larger economies this is isolated to the domestic market, with travel bubbles also being a major emerging trend. However numerous smaller destinations have been opening themselves up to international tourism signifying growing desire. A January study showed that of those surveyed 81% of Australian restaurant owners planned on hiring additional staff in 2021. In many countries such as the UK subsidies have been created to pay as much as 50% of costs to support hospitality businesses. Although many countries still have significant travel restrictions, especially internationally, we can look forward to much more significant re-openings towards the end of the year. This is in large part due to vaccine roll-outs that are well underway, weakening the rationale for continued restrictions. Changing Norms in the Tourist Industry We can expect a gradual return of international travel to come, but that doesn’t mean a return to how things were before Covid. There is a demand and requirement for the Hospitality and tourist industries to conform with people’s heightened concerns about hygiene and contagion. There is potential for dynamism and opportunity as businesses attempt to offer new experiences to fit with new expectations. As people move away from packed destinations, and are reticent of close contact, this is putting an emphasis on private and individual travel rather than crowded public transport. Also with dining there is a move to so called ‘picnic basket’ experiences and an emphasis on delivery generally. New safety regulations and standards are being applied to the industry that will require workers to have specialized knowledge and training. The pandemic has catalyzed hospitality businesses to introduce many new technology solutions that decrease unnecessary human contact. You can anticipate new specialized workers to be in demand with these new systems. What does the near future hold for hospitality workers? Things are starting to look up, but still we are in this stage with heavy limitations in place. This is precisely why now is your opportunity to prepare yourself with the necessary skills and training to thrive in the coming post-covid, post-vaccination tourist economy. You can study and gain skills now. And you will be ahead of the competition, ready to embrace the new conditions of work and to fill the coming market demand as countries progressively reopen.