When at the beginning of 2020 the experts in the field of travel and tourism, in general, spoke about the biggest travel trends globally they could not have predicted that the outbreak of a deadly virus would put a lock on not only travel but all aspects of our lives.
It was known, however, that the start of this new decade, with economic pressures and political and social upheavals worldwide, would bring the tourism industry face to face with significant changes as travelers were now more aware, willing to "exchange" in a way the popular and busy tourist destinations with more special and not so well known places around the world.
However, no one could have imagined that the coronavirus pandemic would have such a major impact on tourism, with most of them, as it seems so far at least, shaping the future landscape of the tourism industry.
By Covid-19 to have literally turned the whole world upside down, innovation and smart solutions are required, as each of us prepares for the economic and social impact of social isolation. Something that, as it seems, also applies to travel.
It is a fact that a crisis always reveals our true character, something that is seen through our choices and actions. Even in his field travel.
Already the changes that had been observed in the behavior of travelers before its appearance Covid-19 were dramatic, shifting both the place and the way people chose to travel.
What is certain is that in the post-coronavirus era we will see greater awareness, a sense of responsibility and appreciation for what we previously considered a given - and not just in the field of travel.
What can stand as a "prediction" in travel, then, are some of the more interesting travel trends that will emerge as soon as the global community overcomes the risk of coronavirus and its effects and people start traveling again.
More exciting trips, then, will be in high demand, marking a sharp recovery, while there will be many who will seek more family vacations with their loved ones, as well as a reconnection with their favorite destinations.
With social isolation no longer necessary, but imperative, there are many travelers who seek it even in their travels. Thus, as air connections between the countries are almost banned, the search for accommodation in the domestic tourism industry seems to be the only solution. Something that, of course, may be observed later with the opening of air connections.
One of the new trends that seems to be emerging in the travel sector, then, is the search for luxury villas in remote areas. For example bookings in secluded villas that provide all the comforts away from everyone and everything, and even without staff, are already running out in the province of Ireland, with high-income businessmen and people being isolated in families, 3-4 hours by car from their base. In fact, what impresses officials is the fact that bookings of secluded villas in Ireland in the second week of March have skyrocketed due to rising coronavirus cases in the country.
Once the worst is over, then, the most anticipated travel trend is none other than the domestic tourism industry and exploring the country of each traveler, before heading to international destinations.
Every local industry tourism and hospitality, after all, is severely affected and it is almost certain that many businesses, especially the smaller ones, will suffer unprecedented losses. Thus, it is important to try to support your country's local tourism industry by not canceling trips, but simply postponing them. Do not miss the opportunity to discuss with those in charge, to check what is possible and what is not and to try to find a solution together.
So if you are able to book a weekend away from your base in the post-coronavirus season with flexible terms and dates for much later you will also contribute in your own way to saving the tourism business.
The time has come, however, for tourism businesses to focus more on the customer and their needs. Every crisis brings opportunities and the tourism industry can take advantage of them and learn from its past mistakes, shaping a new way in which travel will take place after its advent. coronavirus.
While the exact timing of the recovery is unclear - many predict a possible two- to six-month window - the impact will eventually pass. And once all this is over, the world will travel again. However tourist industry will face a new reality after Covid-19, where all its businesses will strive to win back the heart and mind of the cautious, now, travelers.
So, as cost is the main factor on which each traveler will organize his trip, it is very likely that the trend of short trips will prevail, with less travel and itineraries and, of course, less expenses.
There are no quick fixes and one thing is clear to everyone. The tourism industry will change forever after its "invasion" Covid-19. Important crises like his Covid-19 they almost always change substantially and evolve the status quo. So this is not a restart of the "engine" of the travel industry. Instead, the whole family of global tourism needs to understand what has changed and what is the best way to grow the tourism industry together and once again become a global force in the new reality.