Introduction

Tourism is no different. The global pandemic that swept the world in 2020 and still poisons our lifestyle until now — COVID-19 — has deeply touched numerous sectors, including tourism. A city with a wealth of history, an awesome culture, and incredible tours on foot, the pandemic has changed how these tours are delivered and enjoyed in Berlin.

1. Health and Safety Guidelines

In times like this our focus is on ensuring that tourists and the tour guides are not only safe but as well as well as they can be. As walking tour operators in Berlin have put in place strict health and safety measures during the pandemic, the business hasn’t seemed to fall to a halt. These measures include:

a. Group Size Limitations

Buffered from other people by any amount of separation, walking tour groups are typically restricted in size due to social distancing. This limitation means you can keep a safe distance from other people and it helps limit virus spread.

b. Sanitization Protocols

Regular use of perishable goods in marketing has compelled them to intensify their cleaning practices and keep common touch points sanitized – like the hand rails, audio devices, and equipment used on the tours. All this means that the tour environment stays as hygienic as it can be.

c. Mandatory Face Masks

As a standard, tour guides and participants must now wear face masks. This extra protective measure doubles as an extra layer of protection, and can help keep the virus from spreading even more in places where people is gathered together.

2. Virtual and Self-Guided Tours

Virtually and self guided walking tour options are being offered in response to the pandemic’s limitations and restrictions by Berlin walking tour operators.

a. Virtual Tours

With virtual walking tours, people can hire others to take them for tours of Berlin sights and stories they can’t make in person. Live or pre recorded tours by tour guides are provided over the online platforms allowing for historical anecdote, interactive content and for the visitor to communicate with the guide.

b. Self-Guided Tours

The pandemic created a trend on the part of people to explore BerLine on self guided walking tours – getting out of their homes without sacrificing those social distancing considerations. There are the detailed maps and (mobile) applications for tourists which are all that they need to know about the key landmarks, the historical sites and the hidden gems of the city.

3. Focus on Outdoor Spaces

As indoor spaces pose more of a risk to virus transmission, walking tours of Berlin likewise relocated their focus to open areas, which allow for plenty of social distancing.

a. Parks and Gardens

Fortunately for tourists, however, Berlin has plenty of pretty parks and gardens to make walking tours a breeze, such as Tiergarten and Volkspark Friedrichshain. This also means participants are able to experience the natural beauty around the city all from a safe distance from other people.

b. Open-Air Landmarks

The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial and Museum Islaand have landmarks that are prime for open air tours. It allows participants to explore the history and culture of the city and at the same time avoid being in indoor confined spaces.

4. Resilience and Adaptability

The tourism industry has challenges, however, walking tour operators in Berlin have been somehow resilient and adaptable despite the challenges facing this industry. Instead of ignoring technological advancement, changing tour formats and putting a focus on safety, they have continued to provide enriching experiences — while keeping you safe.

a. Contactless Payment & Online Booking

Online booking systems and contactless payment options are now offered by many walking tour companies in order to reduce physical contact. Not only that, it makes handling cash, or even exchanging cards, less convenient but it also reduces the risk of spreading the virus.

b. Flexibility and Cancelations Policies

Tour operators have introduced flexible cancellation policies due to not being sure about how travel during the pandemic will unfold. This ensures visitors aren’t out of pocket for tours they are unable to make.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has been a challenge and a blessing for Berlin’s walking tours. With adversity as their backdrop, tour operators have put safety and wellbeing of their guests and employees first by introducing new safety measures and new tour options. The pandemic has of course posed hurdles, and Berlin’s mahem has lost a significant revenue generator, but with resilience and adaptability the industry has made it possible for visitors to continue to enjoy the rich history and culture of Berlin safely and responsibly.