The coronavirus had turned the world upside down. With lockdowns in different parts of the world, almost all industries had taken a hit. Fortunately, the world is slowly recovering from the virus, thanks to medical researchers and scientists’ efforts.
People in various parts of the world are now getting vaccinated. However, vaccination has not yet been made compulsory. In countries with large populations, frontline workers and people in the high-risk group are being prioritised. In other countries where vaccination drives have opened for the general public, some people still have reservations about getting vaccinated. This affects people’s freedom to travel internationally.
Let us first see how the travel industry has been affected due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 – impact on the travel and tourism industry
Travel involves people moving around in groups. Thus, it is an activity that can increase the risk of a virus spread. Owing to the travel restrictions and the lockdowns, the travel and hospitality industry took a hit globally.
As countries slowly ease the restrictions and cautiously open their borders, governments have a mammoth task – to identify if travelers have been vaccinated against the virus.
A digital passport of vaccination history
The Danish government recently announced that it would be providing a digital passport to its citizens. The digital document will show whether a person has been vaccinated or not. With the proof of their vaccination history, citizens can travel locally and internationally without any hiccups.
Professionals in the hospitality industry have the challenge of categorizing travelers and quarantining those who haven’t been vaccinated. For the same purpose, the European Commission has also been contemplating providing vaccination certificates to people who have been vaccinated.
Since the Nordic countries have adapted well to the digital world, it is not a surprise that Denmark has chosen to issue the proof of vaccination digitally.
The business side
Let us not forget that people do not travel for leisure alone. Several people have to travel across borders for business or work. With the Danish government issuing the digital passport of vaccination, there will no more problems for people who need to travel for work.
Getting into action
According to the announcement, the Danish government will publish the list of vaccinated citizens on its official website by the end of February. While this itself is an official confirmation, each citizen will also get a digital document that they can carry on their mobile phones when they travel.
Being a true leader
Like most Nordic countries, Denmark has proved that it is always setting examples for the world to follow. The European travel industry had a disastrous experience due to coronavirus. While the industry gradually recovers from the blow, officials from across the world can take a leaf out of Denmark’s book to aid their respective countries in quickly getting back on their feet.
Similarly, Estonia has also noticed that it is a must for travelers to carry proof of vaccination if they want to avoid quarantine on arrival.