Itchy feet

With air travel resuming and countries easing their entry restrictions, the pent-up desire for travel is being unlocked.

But how have the travel restrictions over the last two years affected travel trends, and what type of trips will people be opting for this year?

Strong demand
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the global tourism industry lost $4.5 trillion in 2020, with the sector's GDP contribution down by almost half of 2019 levels.

With many people being unable to travel since 2020, there is understandably a strong demand for holidays abroad. According to an American Express survey, 62% of respondents from around the globe say that they are planning on taking 2-4 trips in 2022 and 64% plan to spend more money on international travel than they have done in the year before the pandemic.

Luxury experiences
The pandemic has instilled in many people the belief that the future is uncertain, and as a consequence they are not delaying booking their dream holidays. A recent survey by Virtuoso revealed that 76% of luxury travel advisors had seen an increasing demand for luxury travel experiences.

Private all inclusive resorts are increasingly popular as they enable people to relax in comfort, and get pampered and have all their needs provided for. Privacy has also become a key requirement for luxury travellers. Examples of these types resorts include Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives and Wailea Beach Resort in Hawaii which offer private overwater bungalows and a luxurious private all inclusive experience.

Family trips
The pandemic has meant that families have missed many special occasions, which has led to an upsurge in family trips. The AMEX survey reveals that 70% of parents were planning to take their first international trip with their children since before the pandemic and 81% feel that the pandemic has changed how they think about planning holidays with their children.

During the pandemic many lost out on visiting their relatives and multi-generational families are increasingly booking holidays together in large homes so they can all stay together. The Tyler Place Family Resort in New England is a good example of a family resort with creative activities for kids and as well as hiking and biking that can be enjoyed as a family.

Working vacationer
Even though flexi working was being trialled at companies prior to the pandemic, the `Work From Home' phenomenon gained true prominence during the pandemic. This presented a unique opportunity for individuals to mix travel and remote working.

Over the past months a number of holiday destinations have introduced digital nomad visas with rental companies providing working spaces and stable internet connections to capitalise on this trend. Hubud, Outpost Ubud and The Onion Collective in Ubud Balid, provide co-working and co-living spaces that offer packages for bed and breakfast, day retreats and wellness activities such as yoga.

The travel and tourism industry is slowly getting back on its feet and it is clear the pandemic has created an increased demand for travel, and changed the type of holiday people desire. Transport infrastructures will benefit although some face immediate issues regarding staffing, which may deter some from travelling in the short term.

Mohamed Hisham