Press conference with the major of Munich made it now official that Oktoberfest is cancelled. A suggestion by showmen to run it only with rides was also turned down. As major fairs in the summer were also cancelled during the last days it is expected that many showmen will go into bancruptcy and we will see many rides not returning. Same likely true for independently owned hotels.
I got the notification on my phone from the app this morning. I was shocked.
And not shocked because the Wiesn is cancelled, as I always knew it was jeopardy, however more-so that it was cancelled so early on. Obviously planning, preparations and setup will take months for the event, I'm just surprised it was banned completely so early on without even considerations of a downscale for locals only. It was never going to be able to be an international event this year.
Looking at UK fairs, Hoppings is already gone in June. Wiesn being cancelled has made me more of a realist in this situation now. I fully expect major backend fairs in the UK, Oxford st Giles, Goose fair and Hull fair to be cancelled and I highly doubt links market will be able to reschedule the dates for this year. I think Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has a high chance of not going ahead this year as it starts only 2 months after the Wiesn and is an international affair.
I don't think anyone will be traveling anywhere internationally until next year, however with the theme parks I believe that they will probably open up in individual countries over summer, perhaps in July or August, with strict social distancing measures in place. Without international travel between countries it means the situation can be better controlled within each country and that the leisure industries can start to operate again. I heard something the other day that people in Europe are likely to be able to have a summer vacation "within their own country" however not abroad this year. So I would personally hold off booking anything now until next year.
Even if Disney can open, they will struggle to make a solid turnover as they rely heavily on internationals and I don't think any foreigners will be going into the U.S. until at least 2021. I also think the situation in the US is really just getting started and the worst is yet to come, so I don't anticipate the parks in America being open for a fair few months, and even when they can reopen, I imagine most people will stay away as going to a theme park in the current climate is a massive risk and potentially puts yourself and your family at jeopardy.