Signs of stability emerge in travel industry
Travel agency network Virtuoso has found that more people fed up with months at home are ready to travel. Some travelers are especially intrigued by work- and learn-fromanywhere offers that can extend to weeks- to monthslong vacations.
Because of this new willingness to explore, there are signs of stabilization within the industry, say Virtuoso advisers.
Virtuoso research found that, across all regions, domestic beach and island destinations as well as ocean cruises are making up the majority of new bookings.
One of the most important factors for clients booking international trips is flexible cancellation or rebooking policies, in addition to both cleaning and safety protocols and the COVID-19 infection rate in the destination, Virtuoso’s research found.
Virtuoso surveyed its customers and found the following with regards to fall travel:
■ 79% of travelers would take part in a travel pod (defined as two or more households whose members have been following similar quarantine and social distancing practices that make plans to vacation together).
■ 100% of people ages 18-25 are ready to travel, while less than 50% of those 41 years and older are not.
■ 70% are traveling less than 1,500 miles from home.
■ 66% are willing to fly, but they want the middle seat open. Seventy-three percent would even pay extra for an airline ticket if it meant the middle seat next to them would remain empty.
When it comes to holiday travel, Virtuoso found that about 40% of those surveyed said they planned to travel this holiday season. Some have booked, but others are waiting before they make plans.