On the Horizon: 6 Travel Trends for 2022 and beyond

 Every year, we see forecast travel industry trends Which will greatly impact global tourism and hospitality. With the gravity of the COVID crisis, these insights are much more than travel trends – rather, they are values ​​and principles that will help guide the industry towards a healthier and more sustainable future. From information through innovation to the increasingly important role of travel companies, here are the key The travel trends we expect to see in 2022.

Let's take a look at the key travel trends and values ​​that will shape the industry in 2022.

1. Tech-Empowered Travel Will Be Necessary

It cannot be understood that the role of The importance of technology in travel will continue to grow During 2022 and onwards. from Digital Vaccine Passport for real time travel information, Technology solutions will play a vital role in keeping the public informed and providing guidance with all travel decisions.

As countries begin to welcome vaccinated travelers, requirements for testing, quarantining and forms will still vary between destinations. the provider clear and present international travel needs - Plus timely updates Should travel conditions change – passengers will be required to support them throughout their journey.

moreover, contactless technology Will continue to bring ease to the travel experience. Travel companies have adopted innovative technological solutions to keep travelers safe and provide quick access to help and information. Contactless check-in and boarding Ability to order food or services through the app, or concierge assistance via WhatsApp or chat There are all solutions which provide extra peace of mind to a traveler.

we also hope to see AR/VR Technologies increase in importance through solutions like Virtual tours of resort suites, aircraft cabins, museums and attractions, These technologies help travelers research a destination more thoroughly, giving them confidence with travel planning.

2. Personalization and guidance, more important than ever

in addition to the following travel requirementsTravelers will seek expert guidance for every aspect of their journey. Whereas in years past travel planning may have happened through review sites or light web browsing, there is much more to consider now. For example, how has vaccine delivery progressed in this destination? Are there mandates for restaurants or theaters? For many travelers, Creating a daily itinerary is now a more complicated and overwhelming process.

Travel companies can step in to meet that need. From health protocols per attraction to knowing where and when to avoid crowds, travelers will take extra care of themselves travel plan — and expect personalized support from the brands they travel with.

For a travel company, it may sound like a rethink travel marketing and digital strategies, integrated hyper-local destination material in apps, social media and websites, and providing official information So that the passengers and their loved ones can be kept safe. Companies are no longer just a point A to point B connection, but a source of knowledge and support.

3. Preferred Plans and Experiences in 2022

As travelers consider trips in 2022, rich travel experiences are top of mind. Many travelers want to reconnect with their loved ones, and vacations in the great outdoors provide both comfort and an exploration of the socially distant. Travelers will seek out hidden gems, dream destinations, and opportunities for nature-focused activities such as hiking, photography, or kayaking.

And when it comes to housing, cleanliness and safety are a must. recent Research from the European Travel Commission shows that more than half of respondents considered travel in the next year preferring to stay in hotels or independent resorts rather than short-term rentals and other accommodation.

The strength of a trusted brand assures that the necessary health measures will be implemented. Along with the pristine nature experiences, these elements add an extra layer of support to the traveler's journey.

With this in mind, resorts can accommodate travelers by 2022 by highlighting cleaning protocols, Wellness programs, and eco-friendly excursions, In addition, hotel brands with off-resort accommodations – such as vacation homes or cabins – may offer units that provide the extra space and privacy, as well as the professional cleaning and customer support that is expected of their preferred resort brand.

4. Sustainability should be considered a key element

Sustainability in the airline industry There is, and will be, an ongoing trend in travel in particular. Tourism trends around low-carbon travel – which we will examine further below – will continue to evolve, as Travelers keep a close eye on organizations' environmental initiatives, for example, google flights is now presenting carbon emissions estimates for most flight searches – a major step forward for the industry in providing sustainability insights to passengers.

The travel community will also grow Expect transparency from travel organizations on their sustainability initiative, As international travelers become more aware of the climate crisis, there is a growing concern about reducing their footprint and enjoying the holidays responsibly. ETC recently published its booklet encouraging sustainable tourism practices, Here are some insights that reflect passenger values:

• About 70% of travelers expect the industry to provide more eco-friendly travel options
• 46% of European travelers consider waste management to be the most important environmental issue
• 40% of European consumers will stop flying to help mitigate climate change

As countries around the world work to meet their Paris Agreement commitments, and individual companies submit their own environmental goals, travelers will be looking for organizations focused on sustainability and innovation. from Plastic free initiatives to make progress in reducing carbon emissions Travel brands should engage with their travelers on all these issues.

5. Safety and health-focused measures should be clearly communicated

With a longing to prioritize health and wellness and connect with nature, travelers will want to invest in brands that share those beliefs. for example, OAG. a recent study of found that 70% of US travelers surveyed believe a vaccine passport should be required for international travelAnd 68% are also interested in domestic passports.

Research continues to show that Travelers feel safer when health-focused measures are in place in food, retail and tourist destinations, So it will continue to be a travel trend in 2022. Travel companies must highlight not only their safety initiatives, but also local attractions that go the extra mile for public health. This content not only informs the traveler audience but inspires and delights.

6. 'Back to Business' Journey

Finally, a look at corporate travel trends. This is an area of ​​industry that remains up in the air, and will Internationally most likely to be one of the last regions to recover, The return to business travel will depend on several factors, including vaccination levels, border openings and redrawn budget structures. As many organizations discover efficiencies in remote work, extensive corporate travel may not be as high a priority as in pre-pandemic years.

Therefore, we can expect more online training and an emphasis on webinars, virtual or hybrid conferences and field travel, when events resume. In the meantime, though, it's important to keep in mind the sentiment surrounding business travel. recently PwC Study found that 75% are business travelers note excited - or depressed Once again about the idea of ​​traveling for work. However, travel companies are launching initiatives and campaigns such as This one from Iberia AirlinesTo re-inspire and encourage the business travel spirit.

In addition to delivering clear and comprehensive messages on travel requirements and cleaning protocols, travel companies should approach corporate customers with empathy and support. Offerings such as flexible cancellation, spacious and private business class seating, and remote work hotel packages can all help address customer care and concerns.

conclusion

After nearly two years of uncertainty, we still may not be 100% clear what the future of travel looks like, but we can at least see more light on the horizon. Travel requirements, health and hygiene protocols, safety measures and sustainability Will be a constant theme in 2022. Travelers will start dreaming again about long-distance travel and dream vacations, but will still be focused on outlandish plans and socially distant destinations.

on the technology side, 'Contactless' will be an active trend Next year more travel companies will need to find ways to give their customers more guidance and personalized support in their travels through digital and innovative experiences. Business travel will slowly return in 2022, but there's still a long way to go to see a full recovery – and it's unlikely we'll see it in the coming months - Since remote working and virtual meeting are becoming more popular day by day.