Boutique NYC PR Agency Shares Crisis Communication Tips During COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic has literally taking the travel industry by storm bringing destinations, airlines, cruises, hotels, car rentals and spa and wellness resorts to a screeching halt.  During this global pandemic, crisis communications will play an important role to reinvigorate the billion dollar travel industry.

Allen Marketing Communications, Inc., a boutique New York City travel and lifestyle PR agency, recommends an effective crisis communication program to help the travel industry on the road the recovery during this pandemic.  Here are a couple of helpful tips to consider during this pandemic.

Crisis Management – It is important for your crisis management team to issue timely press releases and statements to educate the media, the general public and your stakeholders about your organization’s safety measures and proctocols to keep avid travelers safe during this pandemic.  It is vital to highlight all the measures in place to disinfect, sanitize, and social distance your establishment.

Showcase your organization’s unique selling points to inspire avid travelers to book and plan their next vacation with your institution.  Globetrekkers who take three or four trips a year will travel once it is safe to do so and it is important to spotlight your organization’s unique attributes to inspire people to book their dream vacation with your establishment.

Highlight important information as it pertains to travel insurance/  Historically, travel insurance has given tourists an added layer of protection for trip cancellation due to an act of terror, natural disaster, as well as an unexpected medical emergency prior to or during a trip. In light of the global pandemic, many travel insurance providers have included coverage as it pertains to COVID-19. 
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In fact, Consumer Advocate.org offers the following tips to help the general public navigate the different travel insurance options.  “Look for customizable coverage.”  “Get a comprehensive policy for once in a lifetime trips.” "Estimate how much travel insurance you need in advance.”

Social Media is an effective tool to keep stakeholders, media and the general public informed about all new developments as things evolve during the pandemic.  Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube are effective mediums for sharing information quickly and for responding and answering questions and concerns in a timely manner.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Post educational photos and videos to keep first time and repeat travelers engaged with your organization’s response during this pandemic.

Limited Time Offers will play a vital role to inspire savvy travelers to book their next vacation sooner rather than later.  It is no secret that airlines, hotels, car rentals, spa and wellness resorts and cruises are reeling from the unexpected shutdown and these travel suppliers are all offer steep discounts to inspire bookings..

Consumer Promotions, especially credit card promotions, historically have played an important role as it pertains to planning a vacation.  It is no secret that credit cards give savvy travelers the best currency exchange rates, as well as reward points.  During this global pandemic, credit cards have become more popular as some institutions have opted for a cashless, contactless methods of payment. 

In fact, Money.com guide to credit cards offers invaluable advice about the best travel perks such as “lucrative sign up bonus and generous rewards for each dollar you spend on your card.”  Other “attractive perks such as skipping through airport security lines, relaxing in comfortable airport lounges, and scoring free benefits like checked bags or in-flight Wi-Fi each time you fly.”

Follow UP will be key during this global pandemic to issue timely updates as things evolve with your destination, airline, hotel, cruises, car rentals, and spa and wellness resorts.  It is really important to be honest and transparent during this pandemic.

Our travel and lifestyle public relations professionals are extensive experience dealing with natural disasters having managed crisis such as hurricanes and dengue outbreaks in the Caribbean, London bombings, and Avian flu just to name a few

We are here to help.  Give us a call.

​By Joanna Allen, chief executive officer, Allen Marketing Communications, Inc.

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