We are living in a truly unprecedented time. While the coronavirus (COVID-19) has been affecting communities in the Asia-Pacific region since January, today we are hard pressed to find a region that is not currently dealing with it and learning how to stop the spread and help "flatten the curve."
This virus is severely impacting the world's health and economics. Here in the United States, governors around the country are declaring mandatory stay-at-home orders and non-essential business closures. Europe and Latin America are facing the same declarations and all eyes are on Asia as the region begins to emerge from the effects of COVID-19.
We keep hearing about a "new normal" but the truth is – none of this is normal. We are dealing with situations none of us ever anticipated. We look to the medical community, government officials, and to experts to complete the picture and to provide clear, direct answers where there are none. And during all of this, we can't help but wonder - is there any certainty in the world today?
You know what I say to that? Yes. There is. The human spirit and our ingenuity, creativity, and compassion for others is alive and well. We see this every day as IAAPA members around the world come together. Through social media, IAAPA Webinars and so much more, we are sharing best practices, ideas, and having candid, important conversations. We are advocating with governments to help preserve and protect this industry.
Every day the IAAPA team collaborates with members in each region to prepare for reopening and discuss operational changes to keep guests and employees safe, so that we never have to go through this again. We are planning. We are preparing. We are working...for you.
The crisis will end. And from this experience, we will learn new things, and discover new ways to innovate and adapt in ways we never thought possible. Now is the time to be brave, nimble, and, most importantly, connected.
The IAAPA team is here to serve and help you, every step of the way. Please reach out to us so we can provide you with current information and connect you with others. I believe in the human spirit's ability to adapt and to help one another. Together our shared passion and focus will help us all to recover and take our industry to new heights.