Travel hits a perfect storm

The global lockdown has decimated industries, the travel sector is without a doubt, one of the hardest hit, airlines grounded, cruise liners docked, hotel rooms stand empty and travel businesses all but shut up shop.

It wouldn't be too far a stretch to say that any company in this sector is facing a bleak outlook. As the coronavirus outbreak continues to hit stock markets hard, the travel industry is suffering its worst crisis in more than 18 years. 

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) trade body has estimated that revenue worldwide this year could fall by $113bn, or as much as 20%. (To give some perspective, after 9/11, airline revenues fell by 7%, or $23bn)

Reports show that women are about a third more likely to work in a sector that is now shut down than men:one in six (17% of) female employees were in such sectors, compared to one in seven (13% of) male employees

Rebecca Masri is the founder of Little Emperors, a private members luxury hotel club. She set up her business in 2009, straight after the financial crash and after 10 years of hard work, she was hoping 2020 would be her best year ever. But then the Covid-19 pandemic embraced the World and her business plans are on hold for the foreseeable future.

Rebecca tells her story and gives her tips for survival.