January/February 2021

EDITORIAL
INSPIRING
TRAVEL TRENDS
Almost a year after the pandemic surfaced, COVID-
19 continues to fuel uncertainty. And, just as
consumers were finally starting to feel somewhat
optimistic, given the wide distribution of vaccines,
a second wave of the virus hit around the world —
leading us to question when our lives will return to normal.
The answer remains murky and there are a host of variables
to consider: How quickly can the vaccine be distributed around
the world? Will there be a subsequent need for vigilance as the
virus mutates? And, realistically, can we resume travelling before
everyone is vaccinated?
While much remains unclear, the reality is pent-up demand
for travel means consumers will want to return to some sense of
normalcy sooner rather than later. But, what will travel look like
in the post-COVID-19 world? (See story on pg.29). Below are six
key trends from U.S.-based Amadeus Hospitality that will shape
travel in 2021:
1. Go Big (near or far) or Stay Home: When travel
returns, consumers will likely gravitate towards ‘big-idea’
or ‘bucket-list’ trips to tick off once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
The survey found 55 per cent of travellers said they
would travel for 14 days or more and 60 per cent expected
to take only a few trips a year.
2. Nomadic Travel: Companies such as Airbnb and Love
Home Swap are embracing the trend along with countries
such as Barbados, which offers the “digital-nomad” visa.
With COVID-19 causing travel restrictions and stress, there’s a clear desire for
longer holidays that let people take their work with them.
3. The Loyalty Shift: COVID-19 has caused the definition of loyalty to morph.
Travel providers now demonstrate their loyalty to travellers through their
commitments to health, hygiene and safety.
4. Swipe Right on Tech: Touchless tech will inspire traveller confidence.
That means transparency, clear communication and seamless payments and
boarding are the winners of 2021.
5. Travel Agents: While the Internet caused the demise of many travel agencies,
the pandemic is now highlighting their critical role. As a result, 2021 will see
travel agents become the fountains of all knowledge.
6. Travel with an impact: Today’s travellers want to minimize their footprint
and make sure their presence is having a positive
impact on their host destination. Travellers also want
to do good: a recent survey found 68 per cent of
travellers want the money they spend
ROSANNA CAIRA rcaira@kostuchmedia.com
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PHOTO BY NICK WONG
2 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
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