Emerging travel industry trends in 2022/2023 you should know

With Covid mostly under control, tourism and travel industry is witnessing annual growth by 12.09%. Expert projected value by 2026 is likely to cross $1 billion.

Trends that will drive travel future

• Solo travelers: A good number of people plan to make solo trips. This number only seems to increase with each passing year which is 42% even before pandemic. Data also revealed that about 50% of travelers making travel bookings are going alone. Solo travel is witnessing boom such that single spaces are being made more available. Approximately 76% increase is noticed over 2019.
• Consumers prefer increased cleanness and Covid-19 safety: Travel Health is now regarded as paramount importance and is likely to be factored in 2023 also. The top anxiety producing parts involved in travelling are boarding a flight and overall exposure to fellow travelers. Many airlines have been taking extreme measures to reduce travelers’ anxiety. A good number of people also prefer driving to their specified destinations.

• Increase in travel tech adoption: Technology like in any business is offering endless opportunities to the travel industry. The pandemic seems to have encouraged adoption of tech in travel industry. Supply-chain and customer interactions are getting digitized increasingly like room service robots. These are considered to be a way to safeguard guests and control costs. Chatbots are also being used by booking sites, airlines and hotels. This allows travelers to chat with their providers at any time during their journey. AI offers hassle-free communication.
• Travelers demand local experiences: ‘Experience’ economy’ is getting huge in the current travel industry. Fewer people are expected to prefer commonplace vacation activates. Rather, they will pursue authentic experiences, venture into more meaningful pastimes and stay away from mainstream providers. Moreover, PCR test is being given due importance. No longer are people interested in conventional, boring travel experiences. Instead, they prefer paid vacations offering lifetime opportunities to explore new things. Airbnb seems to be betting big on this particular trend.

• Sustainability: When sustainable travel is concerned, a good number of travelers cite lack of options. Sustainable travel tends to involve reducing impact upon local cultural environment. It also involves taking eco-friendly approach towards physical environment. About 70% travelers prefer to book accommodations at planet-friendly properties and preserving the environment. Research revealed the following:
  • 44% are eager to provide support to local businesses concerning their destination.
  • 56% prefer shopping souvenirs from local-based merchants.
  • 91% value ethical trips.
  • Antigen test is a must for travel to be safe.

• Consumers blend leisure and business travel: Currently, there are millions of digital nomads. Since the pandemic, location-independent, remote working and travelling has become quite popular. Hospitality industry is gearing to cater to the growing demands of such digital nomads. Many places have been allowing extended time period. Over 50 percent travelers desire to derive more personal time during their business trip. Hotels are offering locals with a quiet workplace and relaxing atmosphere.

The above are the top trends that are expected to drive tourism and travel industry in 2022 and beyond.