• Francisco Parra Oncins, president of Autural, the Association of Rural Tourism Professionals, speaks with the National Rural Network about this summer's tourism forecasts.

To achieve this last goal, Autural has its own reservation management system. This allows its president, Francisco Parra Oncins, to speak with data on the tourism trends that are coming for the summer of 2020. Will it be local and rural?

RRN: Francisco, is there an increase in rural reservations for the upcoming holiday season?

Francisco: There's certainly an increase in booking requests, but there are still many vacancies. Everything points to a good summer, with a 20% increase in occupancy in the rural sector, but this figure hasn't yet materialized in bookings. What has been expressed is interest, but not occupancy yet.

RRN: Which months is this interest directed towards?

Francisco: Definitely in the second half of July and August. No reservations have been made yet for June.

RRN: What measures will the association implement for the new normal?

Francisco: Our owners will be governed by the "Guide for reducing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in the tourism sector," in which Autural has been closely involved with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and the Spanish Institute for Tourism Quality, along with other partners.

RRN: What measures does this guide establish?

Francisco: It's a specific manual for rural accommodations, in which numerous members participated. The sector is involved in the standards it contains. For example:

• Common areas: use in shifts and only with the necessary furniture.
• Disinfection of textiles at more than 60º.
• Do not physically greet customers (shaking hands, kissing, etc.).
• Hydrogels in the reception areas of establishments.
• Use of masks at receptions.
• There will be no paper brochures, only digital ones.
• Payment must be made by card.
• Supportive and/or spare linen (blankets, towels, pillows) that were previously left in the rooms for guests' use will now be provided only upon request.

At Autural , they hope, above all, that the interest shown in booking and inquiring about rural accommodations will materialize for the upcoming summer season.