Each year, we examine the predicted travel industry trends that will have the greatest impact on tourism and hospitality globally. With the severity of the coronavirus crisis, this information is much more than just travel trends - it is values and principles that will help guide the industry toward a healthier and more sustainable future. From information and innovation to the increasingly important role of the travel agency, here are the top travel trends we expect to see in 2022.
Let's take a look at the top travel trends and values that will shape the industry in 2022.
1. Technology-assisted travel will be essential
The role of technology in travel in 2022 and beyond cannot be underestimated. From digital vaccination passports to real-time travel notifications, technology solutions will play a central role in keeping the public informed and providing guidance on all travel decisions.
As countries begin to welcome vaccinated travelers back, testing and quarantine requirements and forms will still vary from destination to destination. Providing clear and up-to-date international travel requirements – as well as timely updates if travel conditions change – will be essential in supporting travelers throughout their journey.
Plus, contactless technology will continue to make your travel experience easier. Travel agencies have embraced innovative technology solutions to keep travelers safe and provide instant access to help and information. Contactless check-in and boarding, the ability to order food or services via the app, or concierge assistance via Whatsapp or chat, all provide additional peace of mind to the traveler.
We also expect to see the growing importance of AR/VR technologies, through solutions such as virtual tours of resort suites, airplane cabins, museums, and tourist attractions. These technologies help travelers research a destination more comprehensively, giving them confidence in their trip planning.
2. Customization and extension, more important than ever
In addition to travel requirements, travelers will need expert advice for every aspect of their trip. Where in years past travel planning could be done via review sites or light web browsing, now there's a lot to consider. For example, how have vaccine distributions progressed to this destination? Are there mandates for restaurants or theatres? For many travelers, creating daily itineraries has become a more complex and tedious process.
Travel agencies can apply to meet this need. From health protocols for each attraction to information on where and when to avoid crowds, travelers will invest extra care in planning their trip – and expect personalized support from the brands they travel with.
For a travel agency, this may look like rethinking travel marketing and digital strategies, integrating super local destination content into apps, social media, and websites, and providing trusted information to keep travelers safe. and their relatives. Companies are no longer just a point-A-to-point-B connection, they have become a source of wisdom and support along the way.
3. Preferred plans and experiences in 2022
As travelers plan to take trips in 2022, enriching travel experiences is a priority for them. Many travelers seek to reconnect with loved ones, and vacations in the great outdoors offer comfort and far-flung social explorations. Travelers will seek out hidden gems, dream destinations, and opportunities for nature-based activities such as hiking, photography, or kayaking.
And when it comes to accommodation, cleanliness and safety are key. A recent study by the European Travel Commission reveals that more than half of respondents planning to travel next year prefer to stay in independent hotels or resorts rather than short-term rentals and other accommodations.
The strength of a trusted brand provides assurance that essential health measures will be in place. Combined with wilderness experiences, these items add an extra layer of support to the traveler's journey.
With this in mind, stations can engage the voy
4. Sustainability must be considered an essential element
Sustainability in the aviation industry in particular is and will continue to be an ongoing trend in travel. Tourism trends surrounding low-carbon travel – which we'll discuss in more detail below – will continue to evolve as travelers keep a close eye on organizations' environmental initiatives. For example, Google Flights now provides carbon emissions estimates for most flight searches, a major industry step in providing travelers with sustainability insights.
The travel community will also increasingly expect transparency from travel agencies regarding their sustainability initiatives. As international travelers become more aware of the climate crisis, the concern is growing to reduce one's footprint and enjoy vacations responsibly. ETC recently published its brochure on promoting sustainable tourism practices. Here are some ideas that reflect the values of the traveler:
- Nearly 70% of travelers expect the industry to provide more environmentally friendly travel options
- 46% of European travelers rate waste management as the most important environmental issue
- 40% of European consumers will stop flying to help mitigate climate change
As countries around the world strive to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement and individual businesses advance their own environmental goals, travelers will seek out organizations focused on sustainability and innovation. From plastic-free initiatives to advances in reducing carbon emissions, travel brands need to reach out to their travelers on all these areas of concern.
5. Safety and health measures must be communicated
In addition to prioritizing health and wellness and craving a connection to nature, travelers will seek to invest in brands that share these beliefs. For example, a recent OAG study found that 70% of US travelers surveyed think vaccine passports should be mandatory for international travel, and 68% are also interested in domestic passports.
Research continues to show that travelers feel safer with health-focused measures in restaurants, retail and tourist destinations, so this will continue to be a travel trend in 2022. Travel companies should highlight not only their safety initiatives but local attractions making progress toward public health. This content not only informs the traveling public but inspires and delights.
6. "Return to Work" Trip
Finally, a look at business travel trends. This is an area of the industry that is still on hold, and will likely be one of the last sectors to recover internationally. The return to business travel will depend on many factors, including vaccination levels, the opening of borders, and the overhaul of budget structures. As many organizations have discovered efficiencies in remote working, intensive business travel may not be as high a priority as it was in pre-pandemic years.
Therefore, we can expect to see more training and webinars, virtual or hybrid conferences, and a focus on regional travel, when events begin to resume. In the meantime, it's important to note the sentiments surrounding business travel. A recent study by PWC found that 75% of business travelers are not excited – or indifferent – about traveling again for work. However, travel agencies are launching initiatives and campaigns like this one from Iberia Airlines, to inspire and encourage the passion of traveling to work again.
In addition to clear and comprehensive messaging on travel requirements and cleaning protocols, travel agencies should treat corporate customers with empathy and support. Offers such as flexible cancellation, spacious and private business class seating, and hotel packages for remote working can help address customer concerns.
conclusion
After nearly two years of uncertainty, we can't be 100% sure what the future of travel will look like, but we can at least see more light on the horizon. Travel requirements, health protocols
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