Post-Vaccine Travel Trends
At the end of July, Expedia Group released the results of its Traveler Value Index - research designed to reveal where opportunities lie for the whole global travel ecosystem as tourism recovers from the impact of the pandemic and the long-term effects on traveller behaviour are defined.
The results are encouraging. More than a third of people are willing to sacrifice a salary increase for more vacation days, nearly one in five expect travel to be the thing they spend most on in 2021, and over half are willing to spend more to make their trip sustainable. This is all underpinned by a heightened desire to find experiences that put trust, connection, inclusion, and of course, safety at the forefront.
Here are some of the findings from the research:
Travel is a top priority:
36% would take the opportunity for more time off work to be able to travel more
34% have larger travel budgets for 2021 than they did in 2020
18% expect travel to be the thing they spend the most on in 2021
How will they travel?
81% of Brits are comfortable with the concept of a vaccine passport
66% plan to drive to their destination but 50% are also happy to fly
59% are willing to spend more to make their trip more sustainable
65% are more likely to book with travel providers that identify their practices as inclusive
27% want websites to show a variety of transport options
38% want to be able to book accommodations and transportation in one transaction
53% want to trust that their travel provider will deliver on their promises
Why will they travel?
32% say travelling to reconnect with friends and family is more important than price
56% of travellers say that experiences are the top benefit of travel while 48% cite psychical and mental wellness
51% strive to learn about other cultures and communities through their travels
Where will they travel?
75% are likely to go somewhere they’ve never been before
22% are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience
81% are looking to travel to more remote areas, including small towns
60% will opt for domestic travel in the short-term, while 27% are planning to travel internationally
What’s important?
1 in 4 see the ability to get a full refund on accommodation, flights and car rental as most important
1 in 5 value enhanced cleaning as most important, especially travellers under 40
On average almost 1 in 10 value environmental policies
18% of Millenials and Gen Z rank low pricing ahead of enhanced cleaning for air travel
As summed up by Expedia, the future is looking brighter:
‘the arrival of vaccines is restoring freedom of movement and renewing the desire for connection….Those in the industry that adapt to and deliver against new traveler values will gain a clear advantage in the race to capture post-pandemic demand.’
This is our opportunity to make sure they do it right!