Every year travel trends come and go, however, 2021 is close to being one of tourism’s most significant years thus far. because the planet slowly recovers from COVID-19 and borders gradually start to open, we expect to go to look slightly different than it did pre-pandemic.
Although nobody knows exactly what’s getting to happen, one thing is clear; we won’t be able to travel as freely (without consideration for our health) as we used to…at least for the foreseeable future. Your position as a tour operator during this rapidly changing industry may be a crucial one because the tourism industry embarks on this next chapter. Governmental regulations, health awareness, and thus the long-lasting attitude effects of a worldwide pandemic will mean changes for the way your business may operate. However, with this comes an exciting opportunity to adapt and innovate, alongside the likelihood of travelers being willing to pay more to reduce their COVID-19 exposure. Continue reading to urge a glance at what’s future for the long run of tourism in 2021 and beyond.
Socially Distant Travel
Before COVID-19, exploring a crowded city would are exciting and invigorating. Wandering through bustling markets, enjoying dinner at a bistro brimming with locals, and visiting tourist hotspots were often the hallmarks of a satisfying holiday. Sadly, what once was the source of endless travel memories are now situations that incite fear and anxiety for several.
In a post-COVID-19 world, travelers are getting to be much more cognizant of the need to go to destinations that make it easy to require care of social distancing practices. Tour operators will get to urge creative by designing itineraries that avoid public kinds of transportation and crowded tourist areas, as their customers will expect this more considered approach to travel design. this might take the form of itineraries focussing on more remote locations or even the increased popularity of niches like birding tours and biking tours, where travelers are less likely to return into contact with others.
It’s clear that travel and tourism need to be sustainable; for the world, the community, and thus the industry generally. Taking the principles of sustainable tourism into consideration, socially distant travel is even more important. While promoting safe health practices is, of course, going to be beneficial for the health of the travelers, it’s also for the good of the community. Subsequently, these practices will allow tourism to start out operating again safely and sustainably, producing economic benefits for those involved also.
Detailed and Timely Information Sharing
In a post-COVID-19 world, it’ll be more important than ever for travelers to stay connected as they travel. Gone are the days where people can easily go ‘off-the-grid” as there’s now a critical need to stay informed and up thus far with the most recent travel guidelines. Tour operators who will provide their travelers with detailed online and offline itineraries are getting to be top of the mind for travelers concerned about staying informed. We’ve all seen how quickly situations can change when it involves COVID-19 so future travelers will likely want to be assured that their expert tour operators are getting to be available to supply trustworthy advice at a moment’s notice while they’re in-country.
Fewer Groups, healthier Itineraries
Traveling during a gaggle is usually an appealing way for people to satisfy others, enjoy a singular experience, or simply many |to avoid wasting”> to save lots of lots of money on travel. However, in 2021 this feature is perhaps going to become increasingly unattainable. Traveling with strangers widens everyone’s ‘bubble’ and also increases the reliance on others to practice safe behaviors.
Tour operators and travel agents who consider creating group tours might want to start out thinking about the thanks to pivoting their business to figure safely and successfully during this new world. One option could be to pivot completely from group visit 100% FIT travel. Another may involve continuing to provide group travel but only to those groups who already know and trust each other and regularly interact.
Market Popularity may Change
In the future, we may even see destination popularity being dictated by how well that country or region has controlled the coronavirus. The precautions that are in place, and therefore the way the initial outbreak was handled, will reassure travelers that they’re getting to be safe while during a particular country or location. this may additionally, unfortunately, end in hot-spots that were popular before the pandemic, disappear because of the crisis and lack of tourism. As a travel designer, it’ll be important to form sure you’ve got a spread of locations tucked up your sleeve that you simply offer your clients if and when clusters escape elsewhere.
A Shift in Transportation Expectation
Not only will popular destinations change, but this mentality is additionally likely to impact how people visit and within a destination. the choice of the airline might not be solely price driven, rather decisions are getting to be influenced by hygiene standards; e.g. if masks are compulsory or not, seat occupation spacing, etc. Within the country, travelers could even be more interested in choosing private transport or upgrading to a business class train carriage so that they’re going to stay safe and avoid crowds.
Take time to remain up to hurry alongside your transportation suppliers and their changing regulations as there’ll undoubtedly be related questions from your future customers that you simply will get to answer confidently.
Travel Experts are getting to be more wanted than Ever
With a considerable amount of uncertainty regarding travel safety and contradictory information rife online, travelers will still look towards the experts when it involves planning their trips. Especially within the near future, travel will become increasingly complex, and travelers may engage with agents and tour operators simply to help them to manage the complicated airline arrangements and health regulations they have to stick to.
Putting add now to align your travel brand as a trustworthy thought leader will put you in good stead to attract customers when travel begins to resume.
Emerging Niche: Reunion Travel
While it’s still uncertain when the earth goes to be able to freely travel once more, there’ll be many folks worldwide who are already keen to plan a visit to reunite with family and friends as soon as possible. These people are likely to interact with a travel expert to coordinate and manage this process for them, because of the complications associated with international travel currently. This emerging trend will likely require less detailed in-country activities and more specialization in providing carefully researched transportation and accommodation plans to and from the reunion destination.