Summary: Throughout the crisis, UberMedia’s foot traffic data has highlighted that the trajectory of COVID-19 is the primary driver of government response and tourism and hospitality’s level of activity The Italian cities of Milan and Florence illustrate this relationship including some signs of recovery as new case numbers drop, lock downs ease and foot traffic begins recovery.
Bottom Line: Health drives not only government action but also the state of the tourism and hospitality industry. The industry must advocate for a more comprehensive and effective health response as the most important factor driving its recovery. Once the pandemic is contained at low levels, only then will investments in support of tourism and hospitality’s recovery gain traction.