Whether you are involved in travel or another industry that relies on the travel sector, it is important to keep your finger on the pulse of emerging trends. These trends can affect what people do, and how they do it, creating new opportunities for your business.
One of the key travel trends 2021 is that customers are looking to get closer to local culture on their next vacation. This is seen through a growing number of tourists choosing to stay longer at a destination, and taking part in traditional experiences such as enjoying regional cuisine or celebrating local holidays. These activities can also help to reduce the impact of tourism on a region’s ecosystem.
The desire for local experiences has led to an increase in the demand for eco-travel, with travelers looking for ways to make their trip more environmentally friendly. This is often done by reducing the use of carbon-based forms of transportation, such as air and car, in favor of more sustainable options like cycling or walking. Alternatively, tourists are seeking out sustainable lodging, such as hotels with solar panels or guest houses that offer guests the opportunity to harvest their own power from the sun.
With many travelers still cooped up at home for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of them are ready to take a much-needed getaway in 2022. Some have been saving up for a long-awaited bucket list trip, while others want to make up for lost time by treating themselves to luxury trips. These can range from 5-star hotel stays and Michelin star restaurants to shopping sprees and cruising on a yacht.
Amongst all the different travel trends, recommendations from family and friends are the most influential when it comes to where baby boomers and Gen Z decide to go on vacation. They are also more interested in a personalized experience, which can include tours led by locals, or staying in unique accommodations that give them a taste of the local life.
In the past, leisure travel was a mostly family-centric activity, but more and more tourists are choosing to go on solo adventures. This is especially true for younger singles, as well as widowed seniors who are looking for a social experience or even to find romance during their travels. This trend is likely to continue into the future as more and more people look for a sense of independence on their vacations.
With so many travelers being influenced by social media, it is no wonder that Instagram is one of the most popular travel trends to watch. As such, it is expected that more and more travellers will lean on professional photographers for the perfect shot to share on their social accounts. Companies such as Flytographer have already seen a significant rise in bookings from this growing demographic, and it is likely that more will come on board in the future as the need for insta-worthy vacations continues to grow.