COVER STORY: FANCOURT
How can you meet the needs of the Gen C business traveller?
Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic hit last year, the world of business and business events travel has had to adapt to new demands and challenges imposed by a global workforce in transition.
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hile no one knows exactly what the next six months will bring, key trends have begun to emerge, as has a ‘new’ type of traveller. Who is the ‘new’ Gen C traveller? In June 2020, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund C. Bartlett, was speaking about the future of tourism and the type of traveller they had prepared to welcome after Jamaica became one of the first countries to reopen to international visitors. He used the term ‘Generation C traveller’ to describe the type of traveller, transcending generational age gaps, that will be travelling in a post-Covid world. “As we begin leaving our homes and travelling once again, and until there is medical treatment and a vaccine, we have to find ways to live with Covid-19 in the world. This has created a common
global experience that is intergenerational. The post-Covid generation is Generation C. Boomers, GenX, Millennials, and Gen Z are all part of Gen-C, defined by a societal shift in mindset that will change the way in which we look at – and do – many things as a result of the ravages of Covid-19,” Mr Bartlett said. These Gen C travellers are looking for assurance and safety. Top of mind? Gen C travellers are looking for reassurance, flexibility and peace of mind when making any travel plans. Those working in travel, tourism, hospitality and business events who are able to adapt to these challenging – and changeable – times and meet the needs of Gen C travellers will be well positioned for recovery. Here’s how you can meet the needs of the Gen C business events traveller:
6 Business Events Africa February 2021
Your health and safety protocols are number one Nowadays, when you arrive at your accommodation, you will still be greeted with warm, welcoming hospitality and plenty of big smiles – all under a mask! Yes, the mask will remain as a travel essential (an everyday essential, in fact) as the world continues to battle against the coronavirus and its subsequent strains. From sanitising your hands before entering the premises to filling in a wellness questionnaire to declare any symptoms that you may be experiencing, these Covidrelated protocols are here to stay. Establishments and tourism organisations will do all they can to drive the message home – adhere to good personal and community hygiene practices, wear masks and sanitise consistently and correctly. The term ‘super-spreader’ event will cast www.businesseventsafrica.com
