What will be the future of tourism and travel?

Skal International Bangkok President Andrew J. Wood gives his thoughts on the future of the tourism industry.

Whoever said the virus will not change the world are WRONG.

There have been already so many changes in the past three months and more are probably to come. So when the coronavirus is no more, what are we likely to see?

Here’s Mr Wood’s 12 predictions for the travel and tourism industry, based on his experience in Asia.

1. Corona virus will dissipate becoming less deadly but will not disappear.
2. Rebounds are a very real danger. Countries such as New Zealand and Australia are already discussing keeping borders closed for 12 months, stopping both inbound and outband visits. Probably other countries will restrict access also.
3. Domestic tourism and travel is set to EXPLODE.
4. Family travel will also boom. The decision makers will be the kids!
5. Activity and experiential vacations will be key.
6. Hotels will take firmer control of room inventory – having best available rates only on their websites for direct bookings and their own social media platforms.
7. Online Travel Agentss will lose their stranglehold on hotel bookings.
8. Traditional travel agents regrettably will see even further business declines in their business volumes. Potential travelers will continue to search digitally.
9. Green travel and care of the environment will see record volume growth as the travelling public now ‘get-it’ after the effects of a virus that stopped the world in its tracks.
10. Business travel and daily commuting will decline as we embrace work-at-home.
11. Video conferencing and webinars will increase but face-to-face meetings and conferences along with trade shows and congresses will survive as humans need human interaction.
12. As domestic and family travel grows, 5-star hotel occupancies will decline. Mid range hotels will see the fastest growth.

MMP
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