With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus epidemic we have found ourselves in an utterly uncertain situation, with future outlooks equally uncertain. The situation changes from day to day and the ability to swiftly adapt to changes seems of paramount importance. All sectors of the economy have been affected, with extent of damages only to be fully grasped in the future. Tourism is one of the hardest hit sectors. In spite of total lockdown this spring, the Slovenian providers of tourism, catering and hospitality services were optimistic when the strict pandemic measures were slackened and they were able to reopen their businesses. They searched in different ways to deal with the problem of decline in visits and the absence of foreign tourists. As the number of newly infected rises and a second wave of pandemic is being predicted, there is also a growing concern. We have talked about the uncertain future with Boštjan Kurent, technical manager of the Park of Military History Pivka and colleague of Pivka Tourist Board.
1. What are the visitor numbers in the Park of Military History after reopening? Are you happy with the outcome?
The Park reopened to the public as soon as permitted, i.e. on the International Labour Day in the beginning of May. Given the circumstances, we are extremely happy with the number of visits, especially with numbers of individual guests which are almost at last year's levels in spite of Covid related safety measures. Lately we are seeing the expected fallout in visits of organised groups which are arranged through travel agencies or through other channels. This segment of visitors will continue to be problematic in the remaining part of the year. Nonetheless, we hope to mark the same numbers of visitors in the next two months which are the peak of the tourist season, although the ever-changing COVID-19 situation is keeping us alert at all times.
2. Have you proposed any additional programs or benefits for visitors now that other museum presentations and other events are cancelled?
We try to replace the major events or festivals that have been cancelled by introducing a variety of new contents and by cooperating with nearby tourism operators and local providers. One example of such cooperation is the package entitled »Trio of Karstic Sights« which was designed in cooperation with the Stud Farm Lipica and the Škocjan Caves Park. We join our efforts in common promotional campaigns and we offer visitors who choose this package a 25% discount. Among other things, we have prepared a series of events, guidance and workshops for children under the name »Celebrate with us« dedicated to the Statehood Day and involving the Slovenian Armed Forces. We were very pleased with the response which indicated that we are taking the right course in programming our activities up to the end of this year. In addition to existing cooperation with local providers, we have further upgraded our program »Explore with us!« to attract domestic and foreign guests to spend this summer in Pivka and its surroundings.
3. How would you describe the museum's »new reality«? What are the major differences in the museum's daily life now as compared to the previous years?
First and foremost, the stability of the previous years is simply not there anymore, which requires museums and any other similar institution to rapidly adapt to the changing situation. We are also facing great insecurity in terms of financial and human resources situation, because future developments are extremely hard to predict. All employees follow strictly the recommendations of the National institute of Public Health, sanitizing and disinfecting is performed regularly and wearing protective masks is mandatory. Visits to certain collections and exhibitions are adapted to new standards. As already mentioned, we focus primarily on individual guests which has its positive sides, since every visitor is treated individually.
4. How do visitors respond to the changed circumstances?
We noticed a lot of reluctance and caution at first, but the situation is a lot more relaxed now. However, I would say that the visitors are still very careful, they follow our instructions and inquire about any special procedures during museum visits. I find it quite positive and encouraging that, in spite of the pandemic, people still go to museums and other cultural institutions which makes us very happy and is also important for the overall situation of the tourism industry in the country.
5. How do you see the future of your museum and tourism in general?
Tourism will be back on its feet as always before. The question remains though, whether all of the operators and tourism providers will be able to get through the crisis. In the current situation, it is all about surviving these harsh times until tourist flows return at least closer to the usual levels. Yet, living conditions have changed too much and we will probably never return to previous standards.
Author: Ana Čič (Municipality of Pivka)
Operation co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund
