Global travel plummeted beginning in March, leading to a US$80 billion industry loss in the first quarter, according to a World Tourism Organization report earlier this month. By year-end, losses could total up to US$1.2 trillion, the agency within the United Nations estimated.
“Everybody has to explain how they’re sanitising or ensuring everything is disinfected,” said Benjamin Condit, chief strategy officer for ad agency WPP’s Mindshare China.Constant reminders of the virus could backfire, so travel brands avoid overstating the message, which could strip the fun out of travelling.
Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh of Crazy Rich Asians fame is one of a dozen celebrity ‘fans’ of Mandarin Oriental hotels keen to promote its destinations this autumn while staying at its properties, according to the ad agency working on the campaign. Moszynski previously helped the US government restore confidence in air travel after the Sept 11, 2001 attacks.