The last few years haven’t been easy on the travel industry. Due to the ever-evolving travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many people have delayed or entirely canceled scheduled trips. However, nearly two years after the pandemic began, there is once again reason to be optimistic about the future of travel.
With the Omicron wave of the pandemic receding, people are cautiously optimistic that they will safely resume travel plans once again. Here’s what you need to know about travel consumer sentiment.
2021 saw significant growth in consumer sentiment and attitudes towards travel; 2022 will likely continue this trend. Between November 2020 and November 2021, intent for domestic trips (including amusement and business) increased from 51% to 56%, a five-point increase.
This year, it’s expected that travel sentiment will see even more growth. The World Travel & Tourism Council recently projected that travel and tourism in the US would reach their pre-pandemic level this year. In addition to this, WTTC believes that outbound travel from the US will similarly increase. For example, they predict that bookings over the Easter holiday weekend will show a 130% increase from last year.
Did you know that money is the leading factor (42%) in motivating US consumers to plan a domestic holiday? In addition, almost three in ten consumers state that if they get a strong recommendation from someone they trust regarding which airline to fly, they take this information into account. Suggestions are also valuable to consumers when booking their hotel accommodations (36%).
Covid-19 upended every facet of everyday life, and travel is no exception. As a result, there is now an ongoing discussion regarding Covid-19 vaccine documentation and negative tests in the travel space.
An October 2021 study revealed that two-thirds (66%) of US consumers planning to travel abroad in the next 12 months are willing to show their proof of vaccination to enter the country they’re visiting. In addition to this, almost half (47%) are eager to show a negative coronavirus test. However, while most travelers are comfortable showing their Covid-19 documentation, approximately one in six potential travelers (15%) are hesitant to do so.
While travel restrictions and guidelines are still evolving constantly due to Covid-19, it’s reasonable to say that consumers are optimistic about the future of travel. Though travel might look a bit different in the future than it has in the past, consumers are ready to meet it and begin to explore the world again.
SOURCES:
Travel Trends for Spring 2022 |The New York Times
The Omicron Wave Is Receding But the Pandemic Is Far From Over | Time
Travel and Tourism: Trends and insights round-up for 2021 | YouGov