The constant transformation of the travel and tourism industry might as well be attributed to all other rapidly changing aspects of society from technology to climate change. Though most importantly, the travelers’ desire for new experiences is what empowers the drive for the development of tourism.
Although the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recorded the highest international tourist arrival in the past decade last 2018, the Covid-19 pandemic poses a question of recovery and revitalization in the challenges and changes brought about by the global catastrophe. And so to revamp tourism-driven businesses and livelihoods around the globe as the world navigates through the new normal, the tourism industry is dipping its fingers into new uncharted territory that could bring upon a brand new experience for travelers around the globe.
Here are the tourism trends on the rise as the world recovers and finds new opportunities for revitalization:
Tech-Empowered Travel
The key word for a travel empowered by technology is: ease. Technological innovations have always been aimed to make things relatively easier, sometimes significantly, and that fact does not change with travel and tourism. Although various technologies have already been working and are in the works even before the pandemic, the ‘want’ has transformed into a sort of ‘need,’ into a necessity for businesses if they want to keep up with the game.
Since travelers have to present digital Covid certificates, vaccination cards, health declaration forms, and all other travel documentations, technologies have become crucial for making travel easier and the process less stressful. As tourists want to take it easy since relaxation is often the primary purpose of their vacations, making it easy for them would guarantee attraction to the experience the destination offers.
Sustainable Tourism
Climate action also directly affects the climate of tourism. After the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference and the launch of The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action, countries are driven to duly apply actions for the climate in terms of their local tourism industry. Sustainable tourism practices and initiatives for the environment have transformed into prime importance as the UNWTO Secretary-general says that the “climate emergency is a bigger threat than Covid.”
With traveler awareness on the climate crisis, tourism-driven industries should shift to sustainable ways for the running and the maintenance of their livelihoods as travelers around the globe now prioritize making sustainable travel choices to save and preserve the planet for the generations to come. Travel decisions are not just rooted on the highest possible enjoyment one could get, it is now in consideration of the environmental effects of the travel.
But sustainability does not only refer to the environment as it also implies the care for culture, economy, and more importantly, the people at the destination. Although it is a trend, sustainability will be guaranteed of its permanence in travel and tourism, hence making sustainable choices now would grant the trust, loyalty, and allure of generations of travelers who drive this trend forward.
Ecotourism
Tied to sustainable travel, Ecotourism empowers the combination of travel and direct actions for the conservation of the local environment. Travelers, given the opportunity to do so, perceive these types of industries to be sustainable, attracting them as it provides them both enjoyment and social action.
From hiking, biking, and kayaking, exploration of the outdoors have also been primary drivers to Ecotourism and soon enough, mountains, rural escapes, and waterfronts will become the top vacation destinations. In the post-pandemic era, the tourism industry will uphold the promotion of sustainable outdoor travel and ecotourism as the world now becomes increasingly aware of what could negatively impact the environment.
Experience Tourism
Having a once-in-a-lifetime experience has become a trend. With Experience Tourism on the rise, travelers are now searching for an experience that could never be found anywhere else or, at least, something that would form an emotional connection for them with cultures and with nature. More than just the thrill of adventure, travelers want an experience they could never forget.
There is boredom in repetition as travelers no longer see the allure of ready-made, tried-and-tested tourist spots that would only give them an experience they already know. Authenticity is what these tourists are searching for with their travel destinations, something along the lines of mingling with the locals and experiencing the culture of the people in the destinations they’ll go to.
Being offered these kinds of experiences would encourage travelers to mark the destination. Another aspect of Experience Tourism would be food tourism as it provides the tourist an opportunity to taste the local cuisine. These travelers can enjoy the food while also possibly being able to take part in cooking and learning the recipes of the people, all while interacting with the culture and tradition of the place.
Staycation
Sometimes people just want to stay in, unwind, and relax. Staycation is another trend that has become increasingly popular throughout the years and even more during the pandemic. This kind of offering presents an experience that’s local and easily accessible that’s readily available in the travelers’ home country. As it often involves day trips for exploring local attractions, amenities, and activities, this type of vacation is recommended for people in need of escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and the isolation of simply staying in their homes.
Staycations are observed to become a lasting trend despite the easing of international travel restrictions since “supporting local” has also become one of the many aspects travelers consider in their vacations. And beyond that, these travelers find security and safety in an environment that’s not too foreign and new, empowering them to relax at a location they might already be familiar with but have not fully explored to its greatest extent.
Small tours and accommodations are secured to have a constant stream of travelers since the trend will stay. More and more people will seek out local destinations to have their staycation in the city and in the local landscape. The demands of everyday life and work have driven these types of vacations to come closer to these travelers than the other way around. Staycations bring the vacations to these travelers who simply want to step away from the fast-paced environment they’re in.
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