COVID-19 has changed a lot of things – including the way that companies and employees approach business travel. Just over a year since COVID-19 made its presence known in South Africa, it would seem as though some of these changes are fleeting, while others are here to stay. Oz Desai, GM Corporate Traveller, has a look at what changes are likely to remain in a post-COVID world – and how companies can adapt accordingly. Heightened safety protocols It is unlikely that anybody will ever travel the same way again, at least from a health and safety perspective. Due to the unavoidable close quarters within an aeroplane, it is likely that passengers will continue to opt to wear face masks long into the future, even once it’s no longer mandatory. “Airlines will continue to prioritise biosafety,” says Desai. “As such, stringent disinfection procedures are sure to remain commonplace when preparing an aircraft for departure, as well as shortly after arrival, and there will almost certainly be access to hand sanitiser on board at all high-touch points for the foreseeable future.” Touchless technology Touchless technology – often referred to as ‘contactless’ or ‘contact-free’ technology – is playing a significant role in helping to restore traveller confidence. This technology includes biometric boarding, contactless check-in, contactless lifts, and digital check-in at hotels. The focus is to reduce a traveller’s risk of physically coming into contact with pathogens, and many of these technologies also strive to automate the passenger journey as much as possible. Along…
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