When the pandemic began, interest among Central Americans in travel agency and other tourism-related services dropped significantly, and although it rebounded in mid-May, in recent weeks it has again reported a downward trend.
Through a system that monitors in real time changes in consumer interests and preferences in Central American countries, developed by CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long term demand trends for different products, sectors and markets operating in the region.
The risks involved when visiting a destination and the possibility of making reservations with less notice are fundamental factors that consumers will consider when deciding whether or not to take a trip in the coming months.
The outbreak of covid-19 in several countries around the world almost caused air, sea and land transport to disappear, as several governments decided to ban leisure and business travel.
Since restrictions began to be imposed due to the outbreak of covid-19 in the countries of the region, interest in travel agency services collapsed, but in mid-May the decline was halted and most countries are already seeing rebounds.
Through a system that monitors in real time changes in consumer interests and preferences in Central American countries, developed by CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long term demand trends for different products, sectors and markets operating in the region.
New health and hygiene protocols in the establishments and the commitment to attract national tourists in an environment where short trips will be preferred, are some of the trends predicted in the new "normality" that will come after the quarantine period.
Given the quarantines decreed by most governments worldwide, it is anticipated that the habits of tourists will change dramatically in the short and medium term, as the crisis of covid-19 will leave consequences among consumers.
From May 9 to 10 in Costa Rica Expotur 2019 will be held at the National Convention Center, which will bring together 230 international buyers from the tourism sector from 35 countries.
Erasmo Rojas, president of the Costa Rican Association of Tourism Professionals (Acoprot), explained to Nacion.com that "... The activity consists of two days of negotiations and alliances that allow revitalize the tourist offer each year and generate millions of dollars in tourist currency for accommodations, food and transportation."
From May 24-25, 160 wholesalers from Europe, North America and South America will meet at the ATLAPA Convention Center, with tourism companies from the region to explore business opportunities.
The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama and the Chamber of Tourism of Panama with the support of the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP), organize the 10th version of International EXPO TOURISM to be held in Panama City.
On May 25 and 26, a meeting of tourism companies from Central America will take place in Panama City, in which buyers from all over the world will take part.
The International Tourism Expo 2018 will be held at the ATLAPA Convention Center, in Panama City.
The meeting, organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama, will involve more than 160 international issuing wholesalers from Europe, North America and Latin America, with the aim of seeking service providers and tourism products.
The international tourism sector meeting scheduled for the end of April, is expected to be attended by 166 buyers from 44 countries.
The Expotur 2018 tourist fair, organized by the Costa Rican Association of Tourism Professionals (Acoprot), will take place in the new Congress and Convention Center, from April 25 to 27 of this year.
On June 29, Nicaraguan entrepreneurs will be visiting San Salvador to meet with travel agencies and tour operators in order to explore business opportunities.
The objective of the Nicaraguan Tourist Entrepreneurs Projection (Preturnic), which is organizing the activity, is to improve the promotion of Nicaragua as a tourist destination in the neighboring country, and generate alliances with travel agencies, car rental companies and hotels, among others.
During the event held in Panama, more than 1,800 business appointments took place between international wholesale buyers and tourism companies in the region.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama:
(Panama, May 29, 2017).EXPO TURISMO INTERNACIONAL 2017 received 11,960 visitors interested in the supply of tourism in Panama and the region, exceeding expectations for this year, announced the Organizing Committee of EXPO TURISMO INTERNACIONAL.
The average european tourist plans trips less than a year in advance and searches and books tour packages via the internet, without using intermediaries.
A study by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute to identify best prospectsfound that"... generally Europeans decide on their holiday destination less than a year in advance and in most cases organize their trips independently i.e., without using intermediaries. It was also found that the most used methods of finding information include recommendations from friends, search engines and online travel agencies and websites promoting the destinations.
From June 19 to 23 companies working in convention tourism will be meeting in Antigua with international buyers and suppliers in order to develop business opportunities.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute:
Guatemala January 26, 2017.The Guatemalan Tourism Institute, INGUAT together with the Convention Bureau of Guatemala, announced that the City of Antigua Guatemala will host the Latin America Meetings and Incentives Travel Exchange, Lamite, from June 19 to 23.
From October 6 to 8 San Salvador will be hosting a regional tourism promotion fair, in which it is expected that 80 wholesalers from Europe, the US and South America will take part.
The eleventh edition of the event will be organized by the Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador and the Federation of Chambers of Tourism of Central America.
Viajes El Corte Ingles will be selling tourism products in El Salvador in its sales network in Spain and carrying out a promotional campaign from March 15 to October 31.
The agreement aims to increase the number of Spanish tourists visiting the country, which in 2015 was around 20,000. The promotion will be done through the marketing channels of the agency and will be reinforced by a campaign that will run until October 31, 2015.
The First Congress of Tourism Integration will be held on the March 22nd and 23rd in Panama City, with the objective of establishing a road map for the sector.
With this conference the Tourism Authority of Panama is aiming to bring together the different players in the industry in order to establish the roadmap for the sector.
"... Twelve workshops will be held, each relating to a market segment.The idea is that each workshop presents the current situation in its segment, holds a debate and draws conclusions which can be translated into action, " said Alfredo Motta, event organizer to Laestrella.com.pa.