Editor's Desk

Dear Friends,

In this COVID era, there are new trends emerging for how we will travel, with safety, privacy and seclusion all together on top of the ‘want list’. Hotels teaming with guests and beaches filled with sun-seekers are likely to be things of the past (for a while, at least). Instead, destinations that offer seclusion and peace and quiet will be among the most desirable.

The pandemic has made travellers hyper-aware of safety measures. Health and safety precautions are now a more significant factor in where consumers choose to stay than price, and that heavily influences the type of destinations they are willing to travel to. The long-term impact on the way we travel remains uncertain to some degree, but travel perceptions from researchers and tourism stakeholders are providing new clues into how consumer comfort levels and priorities are changing.

Besides the regular features, the TTJ October issue is about ‘Unmasking the new COVID-19 Travel Trends’ wherein our travel and hospitality industry sheds light on how consumer behaviour in the region has shifted, and what operators need to do in response.

As an industry, we should follow the trends and embrace these changes. Our destinations and our communities will be more resilient to future challenges if we do.

Happy Reading!

Warm Regards