The travel and tourism business is continuously evolving due to factors such as the desire of tourists for new experiences, fast global technology advances, and climate change.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international visitor arrivals reaching an all-time high, the tourism industry is now unquestionably confronted with significant difficulties and unwelcome developments due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
As we move into the new normal, there are still growing tourism trends that can assist tour operators, DMOs, and other industry providers in revamping their companies and achieving success. These include challenges of coping with the new normal and the industry grappling with unique opportunities such as reopening borders and making partnerships. Those keen on riding the opportunities that come with the challenges have invested in automotive franchise businesses to feed the demand for private transportation in line with the risks of exposure to the virus. There are new possibilities for companies to concentrate on immersive and transformational travel, automation, and Bleisure vacations.
Bleisure
During the post-COVID era, it will be necessary for leisure companies to remain on top of their game while also recovering. People who travel for work or business sometimes incorporate some leisure time in their itinerary as well. This is known as bleisure travel.
According to a survey conducted, 60% of business travels in the United States included leisure activities, up from 43% in the previous year. During business travels, companies can provide their employees with various tourist attractions and activities. Alternatively, these excursions can be pre-planned so that customers can have their holiday simultaneously as their work travel.
It is possible, though, that this is something that gets added at the last minute. It’s not uncommon for business travelers to opt to remain an extra day or two once their meetings, conferences, and other work commitments are finished.
The “digital nomad” movement is also on the rise among millennials. Online workers and freelancers that conduct their job while on the road are known as nomadic workers. Take advantage of this increasing trend by offering incentives that encourage business visitors to stay longer for pleasure as tour operators. Offer retreat packages that include extras like pictures, films, and transportation, for example.
Being connected for work while traveling with the internet and chargers in buses and accommodations (for multi-day trips) can also attract digital nomads. Booking a trip no longer requires a phone conversation, face-to-face discussion with a supplier, or a visit to their office for face-to-face negotiation.
Automation
Online reservations have increased as a result of digitization. Not only has this reduced the cost of advertising for travel agencies, but consumers are also benefiting from and preferring the ease with which it provides.
Tour and activity providers have followed suit, integrating technology and internet booking into their operations. Seventy-one percent of operators polled in 2019 said their companies used reservation technology, up from only 25 percent in 2010. Furthermore, these businesses grew at a quicker pace while also earning more money.
Automatism is only going to increase as we get closer to post-COVID times. Take advantage of this tourist trend and use the appropriate technologies to improve your chances of a quicker recovery as you strive to return to profitability.
Personalization
According to a study by Think with Google, Travelers think that businesses should tailor their purchasing experiences based on their habits, personal interests, and previous decisions.
When it comes to the actual trip or activity, personalization is crucial as well. You have a greater chance of pleasing your customers and getting them to return if you provide adaptable experiences customized to their requirements. As a result, your first goal should be providing services that are focused on your customers.
When crafting a message, consider what the target audience wants to hear. It begins as soon as they view your advertisement on a social media platform or your company’s web page. For example, based on what the client has been looking at on the internet, travel and tour recommendations can be made. Specialized marketing tools and ad platforms like Google and Facebook can be used to put this up.
What’s the best way to get started? Identify and talk with your consumers to better understand their requirements and preferences. By incorporating this into your digital marketing plan, you’ll be in a better position.
It’s safe to say that the travel and tourism business is evolving and changing in many ways. There is no way to know what the future holds, but the trends listed above are already beginning to affect and will only continue to gain traction in the years to come. In addition, there will be trends and technologies that appear out of nowhere and catch us off guard.