Tour Operators Say Delta Hurt But Fear Death Blow From Omicron
Photo Credit: Major locations devoid of crowds has become a common sight during the pandemic. Wikimedia Commons / Kgbo
Skift Take
As bad as 2021 has been for tour operators, 2022 could be worse — especially if new variants emerge, which could spark a wave of even more travel restrictions that would cripple so many struggling companies.
The end of 2021 was shaping up to be enormously lucrative for many tour operators as numerous destinations worldwide had reopened to vaccinated visitors, providing a much needed boon for companies unable to conduct trips during a significant portion of the pandemic.
But the emergence of Omicron has thrown an enormous monkey wrench into the recovery of companies still struggling from damage brought forth by the Delta variant. The new variant has not only forced numerous trip cancellations but halted last-minute bookings many tour operators were expecting.
For those limping along, Omicron and the prospect of any new variants may prove too much for some operators to hang on.
“We had to ask friends and relatives for loans to sustain our business," said Jagpal Singh, the director of India-based Honey Tour & Travels, about the additional struggle
