Pandemic as an impulse for the development of sustainable tourism along the Danube river

Abstract The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a challenge to the world – primarily from the medical and economic point of view – but also to the search for new forms of tourism and the urban environment. Prior to mass vaccination, the main strategy to manage a pandemic were non-pharmaceutical interventions. Global travel restrictions and "home" regulations have caused the most serious disruption to the global economy since World War II. International travel bans affecting more than 90% of the world's population, widespread restrictions on public gatherings and community mobility have severely curtailed tourism since March 2020. Evidence of impacts on air transport, shipping and accommodation has been devastating. World tourism fell by 35-90% in 2020 compared to 2019. Yet, there are differences between countries. Tourism is particularly sensitive to measures against pandemics due to limited mobility and social distances. The paper compares the effects of COVID-19 with previous epidemics, pandemics or other types of global crises. It examines how a pandemic can change the society, economy, tourism and its projection into the territory. It discusses why COVID-19 is analogous to the ongoing climate crisis and why the mass growth tourism model needs to be questioned. The method to improve responsible access to our planet and ensure safe recreation for its population is sustainable tourism. The Danube Region has a great potential for the development of sustainable tourism in Slovakia with its transport accessibility, connection to the Danube River and through it to the surrounding areas. However, the potential of the region lies mainly in its hitherto underused cultural and natural conditions, as well as in the exploitation of the abilities of its inhabitants. The presented study analyzes the mentioned conditions and points out the possibilities of their development.