The pandemic dealt a body blow to mass tourism, and it is uncertain whether it will return as it was, given how destinations like Amsterdam and Venice are enjoying being able to explore their own cities without fighting their way through crowds. While no one knows what tourism will look like post-pandemic, some alternative approaches to tourism offer ideas for a more sustainable approach that contributes to the community and the tourist.

Virtual tourism became popular during the pandemic, for a variety of reasons. It allowed people in hospitals or care homes to “travel”, and it also allowed destinations that were difficult or far away to host visitors. The Faroe Islands, for example, created a virtual tourism campaign to give people an alternative option to traveling to the location.