Travel Rebound Slows as Delta Variant Takes Hold

August 10, 2021 ctn_admin

American travel was booming earlier this summer, but travellers are having second thoughts as the delta variant settles in.

According to the latest Longwoods International tracking study of American travellers, roughly one-third of travellers have postponed travel specifically because of the delta variant, up from a quarter of travellers two weeks ago.

The percentage of travellers who say that coronavirus will greatly impact their travel decisions in the next six months jumped from 21% a month ago to 34% in the latest survey. 

“News of rising numbers infection, hospitalizations and deaths clearly is changing the perception of trip safety for some travellers,” said Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International. “And reports of so-called “breakthrough infections” among the vaccinated and increasing coronavirus cases among children may also be weighing on travel and travel planning.” 

Support among travellers for opening up their local communities to visitors has plunged from 67% two months ago to 47% in the latest survey. And the percentage of travellers who feel safe eating in local restaurants and shopping at local retailers has also declined, from 74% in late June to 60% in early August. 

The drop in confidence among American travellers comes just as Canada has opened its borders to fully vaccinated Americans.

Most surveys show Canadians are more conservative about travel than Americans, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see similar or even higher levels of concern about travel from residents of Canada.

About the Author