Jim Byers’ Signs of Hope Travel Blog: U.S. Traveller Confidence Skyrockets

March 23, 2021 Jim Byers

American traveller confidence is rocketing up the charts.

The latest Longwoods International tracking study of American travellers finds that a whopping 87% now have travel plans in the next six months. That’s the highest level since early March 2020.

It’s a great sign for travel and tourism around the world and perhaps a portent of things to come in Canada once we have more vaccinations.

According to the study, half of travellers currently feel comfortable traveling outside their communities and a little more than half support opening their communities to visitors, both the highest levels since last May. Only a third of travellers now say that COVID-19 will greatly impact their decision to travel in the next six months, the lowest level in a year. 

“Spring is bringing warmer weather and a brighter outlook for the travel industry,” said Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International. “The faster the progress is on vaccines and controlling the virus, the faster the battered travel sector will recover.” 

When choosing a destination to visit, half of Americans say that it’s important for those destinations to have clear health and safety protocols in place on social distancing, mask wearing, etc. Mandatory mask mandates are important to about four in ten travellers, yet almost as many don’t want to visit locations with travel quarantines or other restrictions in place. 

“While key travel sentiment indicators show that the pent up demand in leisure travel is beginning to release, the research also clearly demonstrates that destinations should not roll back the communication and promotion of their health and safety protocols to help keep their guests and communities as safe as possible,” noted Eylon. 

The survey, supported by Miles Partnership, was fielded March 17, 2021 using a national sample randomly drawn from a consumer panel of 1,000 adults, ages 18 and over. Quotas were used to match Census targets for age, gender, and region to make the survey representative of the U. S. population. 

On the other hand, the BBC reports that Brits who travel out of the country for non-essential reasons could soon face stiff fines.

A penalty of about $8,600 for such a trip is included in legislation that will be voted on by MPs on Thursday.

Foreign holidays are currently not allowed under the “stay at home” rule, which ends on Monday. From next week the ban on leaving the UK will become a specific law, backed up by the threat of the fine, the BBC said.

“Under the current plan for easing restrictions, the earliest date people in England could go abroad for a holiday would be 17 May. However, another surge in Covid cases in continental Europe, as well as the slow rollout of vaccines across Europe, has cast doubt on the resumption of foreign travel.”

SILVERSEA 139-DAY CRUISE SELLS OUT IN ONE DAY

This is crazy.  Silversea Cruises has shattered its bookings records with its new arts-inspired World Cruise 2023, entitled ‘South Side Story – All the World’s a Stage’.

Following the most successful pre-sale in the cruise line’s history, the 139-day voyage fully sold out on the day of its general opening. The immersive voyage will take guests deep into the Southern Hemisphere, sailing from the South Seas to the Amazon Rainforest and beyond, calling in 66 destinations in 34 countries across five continents.

Fares for World Cruise 2023 range from $74,000 to $278,000 USD per guest, based on double occupancy.

There’s been a lot of talk that luxury travel will rebound faster than other types, and this certainly seems to suggest that’s the case.

MOST SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTRIES

Sweden has been ranked at the top of Euromonitor International’s Sustainable Travel Index, which has classified  99 countries worldwide through the lens of sustainable tourism. The next four were Finland, Austria, Estonia and Norway. Canada wasn’t in the top 20.

LOVELY HANALEI COLONY RESORT RE-OPENS ON KAUAI

Closed for two years due to massive flooding, fire and then COVID-19, Hanalei Colony Resort is ready to open and welcome you back. Kaua‘i will resume participation in the state’s Safe Travels program on April 5 which allows visitors to forgo a required period of quarantine if they have a single negative COVID-19 test.  

In celebration, Hanalei Colony Resort is offering 15% off on direct bookings! So, plan your long overdue Hawaiian getaway today. There will never be a time like this again with so few people to enjoy the legendary unspoiled beauty of Kaua‘i’s North Shore.    

The Welcome Back special includes:  

• 15% off all suite categories, except garden view 
• Celebratory Split of Champagne 
• Locally made gourmet chocolates  
• Kaua‘i Kookies baked with Aloha 
• A selection of Hawaii made teas 
• A vase of freshly cut flowers  
• Flexible cancellations  

Book now at HCR.com or call 1-800-628-3004 through April 5 for travel throughout 2021; Blackout dates apply. Not combinable with other offers. 

ST. REGIS TORONTO EASTER FEAST

The St. Regis Toronto and LOUIX LOUIS welcome new timeless traditions this spring with an exquisite Easter Feast at Home Menu, available for three days only, Friday April 2, Saturday April 3 and Sunday April 4. Executive Chef Satish Yerramilli introduces a plentiful four-course menu boasting an incredible selection of entrées including Beverly Creek Farms Roast Shoulder of Lamb, Roasted Sea Bass and Spring Vegetable Pot Pie. Each entrée is paired with yukon gold scalloped potatoes, braised carrots and French beans, and will also include freshly baked LOUIX LOUIS artisan sourdough bread, two starters, an amuse bouche, signature lavender marguerite cocktails and a sumptuous dessert. The menu is available for two guests ($229) or four guests ($399).  Pastry Chef Gerald Tan also introduces the new St. Regis Surprise Egg, available in red or blue. The perfect artisanal gluten-free made-to-order Easter dessert that’s cracked opened with a mallet. Available for $70, this hand crafted 64% dark chocolate shell contains six unique confectionary treats inside: white chocolate passionfruit bonbons, whiskey caramel truffles, almond English toffee, raspberry pate de fruit, pistachio and apricot mendiant, and raspberry and bee pollen mendiant. It’s a beautiful and marvellous restaurant, and the St. Regis is a stunning hotel.   All prices are in Canadian dollars and do not include taxes, service fees or gratuity.

 DOMINICA WORK/STAY PROGRAM

Dominica has officially launched its extended-stay visa program dubbed Work in Nature (WIN), which provides the opportunity to work remotely for up to 18 months on the island. Dominica is well positioned to welcome professionals and entrepreneurs as part of the WIN program, which allows remote workers, digital nomads, academics, families, and persons on sabbaticals, seeking a healthier work-life balance, while being embraced by pristine nature. If you are seeking to rejuvenate and refuel your passions, all while still working, look no further than Dominica. The island offers high-speed internet and technology services, modern health care facilities, educational options for families, and opportunities for impact volunteer programs with NGOs and private sector entities.  These make Dominica the perfect choice for remote working while embracing the natural wonders on your doorstep. Visit waterfalls or hot springs, take nature walks or exhilarating dives, experience the local cuisine, embrace a new culture, and make new friends. Additionally, Dominica’s COVID-19 protocols have kept the infection rates very low, and their handling of the pandemic has been exemplary The program offers attractive incentives, such as duty-free on selected items and discounts from various service providers.  As the program gains popularity, the island envisions a WIN Village – a remote worker community with various types of accommodation from luxury to moderate, an array of support services, shared social and entertainment spaces, and co-working spaces. Applications can be accessed online via www.windominica.gov.dm and cost US$100.  Responses will be provided within 7 days and confirmed applicants will have a 3-month grace period to relocate to Dominica. Fees for the Visa are US$ 800 for individuals and US $1200 for families. It’s a beautiful Caribbean island, with amazing hiking and great people.

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