“Being in the travel industry is not just a job or source of revenue, but a passion, a way of life and a personal identity.” Ian Cowan, CEO at Connection Custom Travel believes that implicitly. He is very concerned however, that in the current climate where many travel professionals – across the entire sector – have lost not only their source of income, but are losing their way and becoming increasingly depressed and despondent.

Ian told us at Travel Industry Today that the many many webinars, online meetings, virtual conventions and travel alerts put out by the industry in an attempt to keep an upbeat and optimistic approach, are also, as time passes, becoming a reminder of the difficulties facing us all and the complexity of the hurdles we have to overcome whether financial or psychological.

Like everyone else, people in our industry are concerned for their own health, and the health of their family and friends. The isolation is causing some to suffer incredible loneliness and depression. And, while a vaccine will be available very soon, realistically, a rebound to pre-Covid-19 days is not really in the cards for anytime early in 2021.

Ian suggested a support system where we could exchange thoughts and experiences with each other, perhaps offer hints on coping – not necessarily travel related but also on a personal basis. Even small issues can seem overwhelming at times. What worked for you? What didn’t? Do friends and family understand that you are in an industry that has particular issues? Can they empathize? Are you having difficulty working from home, or if you already do so – have you any suggestions to help others?

That’s the essential idea – to reach out to help or for help.

We think it’s a good idea and will publish suggestions or thoughts along with articles or interviews that might also help. If you do not want your name published simply say so and no one will see it except the editors of this publication and it will remain absolutely confidential. We agree with Ian Cowan that this a concept that can assist everyone whether you work in a call centre or in the C-Suite. If ever there was a time to reach out this is it.

As Ian says, working in travel is “a passion” let’s use that passion to help ourselves and our colleagues get through this rough passage in the industry we love.

Email us your thoughts, ideas, suggestions or questions at: editor@travelindustrytoday.com

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