Industry Confidential

Around this time of year, we all begin looking at travel methods to forecast trends that will enhance visitation, not only within our own destinations, but also globally. With the weight of the coronavirus moving in different directions as new variants present themselves, these intuitions become more important and help create a roadmap for how many of us will influence the industry towards an improved and stronger future. From data derived due to creativity and innovation among our peers we can see several trends forming as we head into 2022.

Technology driven travel and data will be key. We cannot put enough emphasis on the fact that the role of technology in travel and tourism will continue to rise in 2022. With companies providing real time travel notifications and destinations requiring digital vaccine requirements, tech solutions will rise to the top by providing guidance for all travel decisions. These requirements will vary from destination to destination, country to country and will provide transparent and timely international travel requirements that support visitors throughout their experience. Furthermore, contactless technology, such as check-in and boarding, or food ordering via apps, will bring peace of mind to visitors.

We expect to see visitors seeking personal guidance now more than ever. We got used to planning trips by reviewing websites, but now we have far more to consider, such as vaccine distribution rates in a destination to requirements at restaurants, or attractions. Travelers will seek information on these topics to better prepare and plan from social media posts, personal support, and even uber local focused destination content. Destinations must become a better source of knowledge and show support during the process.

When it comes to lodging, cleanliness and safety are a necessity. Therefore, we expect to see a shift back to stays at hotels and resorts instead of recent trends at vacation rentals. Trusted brands provide security and confidence when considering whether health measures will be taken seriously.

As the topic of sustainability rises, it too is expected to remain a travel trend next year. Destinations and companies that display an effort with environmental initiatives, eco friendly options, plastic free and recycling efforts, reducing an overall carbon footprint, and more, will see comfort and support increase from travelers looking to organizations focused on innovation through sustainability projects.

The trend that is most up in the air is business travel. Everyone is eagerly watching how and if business travel will adjust in 2022. Most organizations have proven productivity can continue by working remotely, so extensive business travel may not be looked upon in the same light as it was prior to the pandemic. Individually, each organization will have to consider several factors including refocused annual budgets, border crossings, and vaccination status.

Thus, it is anticipated that virtual on-boarding, webinars, and conferences will be the norm. Do you have to fly across the country to visit with a client, or colleague, when an hour long Zoom call catch up will do?

Visitors will continue thinking about week-long vacations and exciting destinations with minds set on the outdoors and the flexibility to maintain social distancing. The future of the travel and tourism industry has been vague for almost two years, and we still have no certainty on what 2022 holds, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel.