New Studies Suggest A Travel Rebound Could Be Coming Soon

March 9, 2021 Jim Byers

Two new studies point strongly to a travel rebound in North America.

According to the latest Longwoods International tracking study of American travellers taken on March 3, 84% of those surveyed have travel plans in the next six months, the highest level since the early days of the pandemic a year ago. This is the third consecutive wave showing over 80% for this key question. And the percentage of travellers who say that the coronavirus will greatly impact their travel plans has dropped to a third, down from a pandemic peak of two-thirds last April and matching the March 2020 low. 

“Barring another surge in infections, the beginning of the travel industry recovery appears on target during 2021,” said Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International. 

Even with the increasing optimism about the future, only 44% of travellers currently support opening their communities to visitors and about half feel safe travelling outside their communities or dining in local restaurants or shopping at local stores.

Another study, this time by American Express Travel, surveyed travellers in Canada, Australia, Japan, India, Mexico, the UK and the US.

“While individual sentiments differ, one thing is clear: there’s a pent-up demand for travel and a clear appreciation for the benefits that it can bring,” said Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. “In fact, people miss traveling so much that 76% of respondents surveyed are creating their destinations wish list for future travel even though they might not be able to travel yet.”

Travel Planning Brings Joy

Eighty seven per cent of people surved by Amex said that having a trip planned in the future gives them something to look forward to. Sixty-one percent of survey respondents plan to spend more than they normally would on a trip in 2021 since they could not travel in 2020. 

Sixty three per cent of respondents said that they are saving their credit card points so they can go on a vacation once they feel comfortable traveling, and 56% said that they miss travelling so much that they are willing to book a trip now even if they might have to cancel it in the future.

Safety is a Priority

Sixty five per cent of respondents said that they do not plan on travelling until they and their families have received the COVID 19 vaccine.

Privacy is the New Luxury

Seventy five per cent of respondents agree that the experiences that offer ultimate privacy is becoming a key sought-after feature of luxury travel. In fact, 80% indicate they are willing to travel to destinations during the offseason so that it’s less crowded.

Foodies Rule

Sixty-four percent of solo traveljer respondents in the Amex survey agree that they want to take a foodie vacation, and 62% of all respondents say that eating is the top activity they are interested in doing while travelling. Top foodie cities include Miami, San Francisco, Houston, Singapore, Mexico City and Tokyo, Amex said.

Second Cities on the Rise

American Express Travel consultants are also seeing requests for smaller cities like Porto (instead of Lisbon) in Portugal, and Wellington (instead of Auckland) in New Zealand.

Diversity Matters

Sixty-nine percent of respondents agree that they want to choose an airline/hotel that values diversity and inclusion, and whose employees reflect a diverse customer base.

Sustainability Concerns

Sixty eight per cent of consumers agree they are trying to be more aware of sustainability-friendly travel brands to support.

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