AFTER COVID 19: THE PATH FORWARD | April 6th, 2020 |
 Written By Ric Peterson
We will continue to inspire, entertain and fly again. Society, government, healthcare, the economy, our lifestyles and more will change. No one knows exactly what will come, but crisis moments also present opportunity, especially for events like ours. Dr. Christine Van Winkle, Chair of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, feels confident that events will be embraced in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. She recently wrote, “This pandemic, like others, will eventually taper off. When that happens, festivals and events will be an important part of recovery.” As an example, Christine says, “After SARS took its toll on Toronto in 2003, a SARS benefit concert featuring the Rolling Stones, Rush and other high-profile artists helped to bring visitors back to the city.” She explains, “Festivals and events contribute to our sense of place and our sense of community, both of which will need fostering following the COVID-19 pandemic.” Van Winkle feels the public will be supportive when this is over, pointing out, “We have a lot to gain from showing acts of support towards festival and event organizers. We can also bear in mind the power of celebrating with friends, family and community at future in-person gatherings.” History and research back her, “Events play an important role in community life and research has repeatedly shown that attending festivals and community events has many benefits. In a study examining the social impact of events, my colleagues and I found that attending festivals is related to a sense of emotional connection. By coming together to share in a common experience, we build stronger, more resilient communities.” | |