Lebawit Lily Girma

From her opposition to the fossil fuel industry to spearheading bipartisan legislation protecting public lands, Congresswoman Deb Haaland has shown she’s a fierce protector of America’s natural resources. As future Interior Secretary, she could be a giant boost for the sustainable development of outdoor travel post-Covid.

Calling for an ethical nomination process, a new petition spearheaded by respected voices in the industry— including former secretary general Taleb Rifai — could lead to a potential shakedown at UNWTO in 2021, just as travel enters a year in which a unified tourism voice will be sorely needed.

The Covid crisis seems to have softened some of the hostilities between cities and short-term rental players. The idea of the two sides working together was once anathema, but certainly seems possible as long as their thinking keeps evolving.

Shaikha Mai could become the first woman to lead the United Nations World Tourism Organization. She's a triple threat: a trailblazer in sustainability through heritage preservation, decades of public-private leadership, and an influential Arab female in global tourism. Mai could be just what the industry needs as it seeks to “build back better” post-Covid.

The lack of clarity surrounding EU-UK travel regulations in 2021 is causing concern among European Union destinations as well as tourism service providers. But the biggest deterrent to consumer confidence could be the continued lack of consensus on travel health protocols.

Since April, destination marketing organizations have been forced to seek funding beyond revenue from hotel bed taxes, which aren’t expected back fully for four years. What’s emerging? A blended DMO model in which advocacy, corporations, and communities play key roles.

There’s no telling how many of the projected 50 million Americans traveling for Thanksgiving will ditch their plans as the CDC and states sound the alarm. In the travel industry, the messages go from “stay home, buy local” to “book now for 2021” or “if you’re visiting, be safe,” as destinations and companies continue to balance their need for revenue against public health.

In spite of a rise in holiday flight cancellations, United Airlines remains confident for the long-term return of business and international travel — there is pent-up travel demand and the airline has had success with its early pre-flight testing programs. Still, even with a vaccine on the horizon, the airline remains cautious.

With source markets on lockdown and shifting border restrictions, destinations are targeting global and regional travelers they'd previously overlooked. The result? A rise in multilingual and cross cultural tourism campaigns. It’s about time.

In an unprecedented citizen-led push against mass cruise tourism during a time of undertourism, Key West voters boldly chose to protect the environment and public health. It’s sparked hope for change across similarly challenged port communities, but at a time when destinations are desperate for tourism. What's for sure: the “reset” conversation is no longer just talk.