If things continue as it is now, the travel industry may be at the threshold of a travel boom. Travelers worldwide are taking advantage of the lifting of restrictions and the end of quarantines. With Covid cases at an all-time low and vaccinations done for most people, it’s the right time to become a part of the travel and hospitality industry.
What trends will dominate this new age of travel?
- Technology will continue to be an integral part of the travel industry. The pandemic accelerated technical innovations like never before. With mobile check-ins, digital menus, and contactless payments, the hospitality industry is ready to welcome “revenge tourism.”
- The travel and hospitality industry will focus more on creating human connections as it realizes that it’s the personal touch that travelers are now yearning for.
- Travelers will also want unique experiences. Adventure and extreme tourism are on the bucket list of many travelers worldwide. Today, people are more interested in a memorable holiday and not in things like shopping. They want to go to exotic locations, not touristy attractions. Travel agencies must start offering custom travel itineraries.
- There will be an increased focus on sustainability. People have become far more environmentally conscious and are desperate to bond with nature. They prefer the outdoors, fresh air, and lots of sunshine.
Look at all these trends. The tourism industry welcomes these changes, but it can’t cope with the sudden increase in travel. From car rentals to airports, the travel supply chain feels this pressure. Waiting times at airport checkpoints have stretched into hours, and popular tourist destinations are overcrowded with travelers.
A big task for travel businesses everywhere is to restore the original capacity. Contract workers and other temporary staff laid off during the pandemic are not there to offer their services anymore. There’s a massive labour crisis. Moreover, as processes become streamlined and customer experiences more personalized, companies use digital analytics to stand out from competitors. Online travel agents can access such data and insights, and airlines and hotels want to explore new partnerships with them.
All factors point to a significant travel boom, albeit short-term. Become a travel and tourism expert because the industry must work together to bring in a safe comeback for travelers.
