This is the year that adventure forever.
It is difficult to underestimate the devastation of COVID-19. A recent study through the U. S. Travel AssociationBut it’s not the first time It predicted a 45% decrease in industry revenue, resulting in a loss of $519 billion for the year, approximately nine times the September 11 effect on travel revenue.
“2020 a year like no other,” says Roger Block, president of the Travel Leaders Network. “The pandemic has put an end to all kinds of trips abroad, turning the face and mindset of travelers. Travelers are now more cautious, aware of the cleaning criteria and practices that have forced airlines and hotels to impose new sanitation protocols. “
But which of those settings are permanent? It’s a more complicated question, basically because no one knows the future. But industry experts have a pretty smart idea, based on how other people are doing lately. Together, his predictions paint a sober but, in the end, positive image from 2021 and beyond.
In the future, you will pay more attention to fitness and protection and will likely pay more for your services. You’ll also see fewer commercial customers and stay closer to home. And experts say all those adjustments can last.
Undoubtedly, the pandemic has obsessed travelers with their health. “We will see a greater focus on the well-being of travelers after COVID-19, and rightly so,” says Sarah Wilson, CEO of ACE Travel. they will want to make sure they are aware of safety protocols, increased hygiene and more effective and secure booking experiences, such as paperless online booking and automatic billing services. “These settings are permanent. Contactless credit card readers and auto-registration kiosks arrived to stay.
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And by ‘mandatory’ I’m not just talking about it being a smart idea, if you’re visiting another country, it’s probably literally mandatory, for example, Thailand, which lately only accepts visa programs from low-risk citizens. required $100,000 in medical policy, according to the Consulate of Thailand in Los Angeles. “Over the next year, it is especially vital that travelers make sure they perceive their risks, exposures and insurance policy before they travel,” says John Thompson, president of Chubb’s foreign twist of fate and fitness division, which is “the world’s largest publicly traded accident and asset insurance company. “
Contact search, already required in many destinations, may be the norm for travelers. “Interme, surveillance generation can simply assign each and every passenger a virtual identity, with access to each and every one, from geolocation to virus verification effects or immunity certificates,” predicts Annalisa Nash Fernandez, Annalisa Nash Fernandez, Annalisa Nash Fernandez, Anculture’s intercultural strata. But he says there will be privacy issues, just like there were after 9/11. fitness officers will have to address those concerns.
Another replacement for: holidays will not meet at the last minute and will charge more. A pandemic that happens once in a century can replace that, and it has. Travelers also make their reservations before: 4 months before their departure abroad, 50% more than last year, and nationals are making travel plans 19% more than last year. , an average of 79 days before departure. Experts say those trends will stay with us for a long time.
During the pandemic, a giant percentage of the workforce moved to virtual meetings. Even maximum positive studies expect a long recovery in business travel. “A percentage of business travel will never return because corporations realize that workers can be virtually as productive. “as they do in in-person meetings,” expects Deborah Friedland, director of hotel consulting at EisnerAmper, a business consulting firm. The challenge is that business travelers have historically subsidized reasonable airfares. The value of the flight will likely increase.
The switch to holiday rentals and other non-traditional hotels was already underway before the pandemic, but COVID-19 has accelerated it and made it one of the biggest permanent changes in travel. “There is a minimum in the preference for large hotels. “says Joli Moniz, owner of A Vontade Tours, who specializes in trips to the Cape Verde Islands off the west coast of Africa. “Instead, other people prefer boutique hotels or personal villas with fewer people and limited interactions. “possibly not this pandemic, but the preference for area and privacy would possibly be permanent.
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Another permanent travel change: a focus on tourism. In 2020, did we even have a choice? “Travelers who would never take a country vacation would like to explore destinations close to home, says Kristiana Choquet, travel agent for EMBARK Beyond. ” People notice the beauty and wonders of their own country. “
Travel has replaced forever. Future travelers will be healthier and safer and plan their vacation ahead of time. Yes, they’ll pay more, but the holidays will also be an adventure.
“The next incarnation of tourism is on its way,” says Richard Bangs, adventure director at Steller, a travel-inspired storytelling platform. “As we redefine the way we live the global, with our senses rebalanced, our situational consciousness renewed. that brings awakenings and inventions, as travelers have faced the greatest challenges.
Prepare for travel replacement. If you haven’t traveled from the pandemic, get ready for some replacements. You’ll want to be told how to use those new self-service kiosks and the keys to contactless rooms. (Don’t be afraid to ask for help). it will apply rules of masking and social estating. That’s the new normal.
Plan ahead. Whether you’re booking your vacation or shopping for travel insurance, a lot of preparation time needs to be taken in 2021 and beyond. Waiting until the last minute can mean that you are not eligible for certain coverages or even unable to travel due to red tape. Do everything in advance, everything.
If you find an offer, book online. Experts expect agencies to make an effort to temporarily increase their rates and costs to recover lost revenue. Direct sales at the end of 2020 will almost actually lead to higher rates, so if you see an offer now, don’t wait.