Spend more, stay longer: The consumer trends driving travel in 2021

For many travelers, they’re approaching the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic upending future plans, and they’re looking forward to traveling again.

However, they’re approaching travel in 2021 with a new mindset, according to the 2021 American Express Travel: Global Travel Trends Report, which surveyed 2,000 consumers in the United States and 1,000 travelers in Australia, Canada, Indian, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom.

As people work and school remotely, they’re becoming more flexible with when and for how long they travel. According to the report, 54% of respondents say that the freedom and flexibility of being able to live and work while traveling the globe is more appealing now than it was prior to the pandemic.

With many travel providers now offering flexible booking options, travelers are ready to book immediately, with 56% of respondents indicating that they miss travel so much they’re willing to book a trip even if they might have to cancel it in the future.

Travelers are also interested in lesser-known locations, with 69% of respondents saying they are looking at “second-city” destinations such as Dallas or Charlotte, North Carolina.

[…] Consumers also consider personalized experiences (82%) and high cleanliness standards (81%) the most desirable luxury amenities.

In addition to seeking out luxury experiences, travelers are continuing to invest in culinary tourism, with 62% of respondents saying that eating is the top activity they’re interested in doing while traveling.

Consumers are also increasingly interested in sustainable travel: 68% of travelers agree that they are trying to be more aware of sustainability-friendly travel brands to support, and 72% say they’re passionate about traveling to destinations to help boost tourism revenue and the local economy.

Read the original article

Twissen