Tourism
The Time is Right for Travel Pent-up demand will boost tourism’s summer rebound BY LIZ KELLER | PHOTO COURTESY VISITDELAWARE.COM
ABOUT READY FOR SOME GOOD NEWS? I’m happy to report that summer is here! Throughout the nation and across the state, Americans are more eager than ever to stretch their legs, hit the road, and begin to leave the past two years behind them. In a way, we’re all at a hopeful inflection point: Our pent-up readiness to explore is coinciding nicely with relaxed pandemic restrictions and the imminent arrival of prime travel season. At last, the time is right to plan that trip, and clearly, everyone’s ready. The latest research reveals that 81 percent of American travelers are feeling strong excitement for their travel this year, and 86.2 percent are in a ready-to-travel state of mind. There’s also a fresh sense of adventure and confidence among travelers: The research group Destination Analysts reports that Americans will be seeking out new experiences—55.7 percent say they prefer places they have not been to before, 8 points higher than in February. Only 19 percent of 24
travelers say that COVID-19 will greatly impact their travel decisions in the next six months, the lowest level since the beginning of the pandemic more than two years ago, according to Longwoods International. Yes, some challenges linger. Gas prices are unpredictable, and workforce shortages in the hospitality sector are still a concern. But as our prime travel season begins, there are hopeful moments ahead. As travelers begin to venture out, the many local businesses that rely on travel spending are about to receive a welcome boost—one that will benefit so many working Delawareans, along with the financial health of the state itself. That travel revenue is a more crucial factor than some might realize. In Delaware, tourism contributed $3.2 billion to the state’s GDP in 2020, and $497 million in state and local taxes. Tourism stands as the 4th largest private sector employer in the state, providing jobs for more than 44,000 of our neighbors and fellow Delawareans. In 2020, Delaware hosted more than 7.7 million overnight visitors. July / Aug us t 2 0 2 2
| DELAWARE BUSINESS
