2021 has been another incredibly difficult year for the travel industry.

Global restrictions and continuous lockdowns have made it hard to book trips. Even worse, some people have nixed traveling entirely.

Though movement has been made to bring some kind of normalcy to tourism—like the introduction of travel bubbles—we have seen other new trends and consumer expectations evolving. Here are our predictions for travel industry trends in 2022:

Caring is key

Since the pandemic, tourists have become a lot more conscious about safety. They expect an elevated level of care when looking at transport providers, hoteliers, and destinations.

This will continue to be a trend going into 2022, and we expect it to become the norm.

A recent study found that 70% of travelers believe a brand’s willingness to abide by COVID-19 safety guidelines and restrictions impacts their travel decisions.

Fewer trips, more memories

We predict that the recent shift from mass travel to luxury travel will continue in 2022. We’re continuing to see travelers spending more on better holidays and taking them less frequently.

This trend also lends itself to people wanting to book once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. After being kept inside for so long, travel companies have seen an uptick in searches for epic trips. For example, bookings to Peruvian cities near Machu Picchu are up by nearly 50%.

Ecotourism is on the rise

Sustainability is something we’ve discussed before, especially when it comes to Gen Z travelers. However, eco-friendly travel is proving to be important to all generations.

People are looking for eco-friendly travel not only to lower their impact on the environment, but also to give back. They want to take part in activities that support local communities as well as the planet.

A recent study showed that 82% of people said the pandemic has made them want to travel more responsibly in the future.

Spontaneous traveling

We always want what we can’t have, right?

The pandemic brought spontaneous travel to a complete standstill. Who knows when our ability to jump on a plane on a whim will return?

However, we have seen an increase in flexible booking policies, which enable travelers to explore last-minute trips.

In fact, a recent report in Singapore found that over 25% of respondents are more willing to live in the moment and be more spontaneous when it comes to travel.

Technology-empowered travel

Digital technology has become an essential part of modern day travel. In 2022, travel companies will be embracing this more than ever.

From digital COVID-19 vaccine passports to contactless check-in, boarding, and ordering services via apps, the industry is constantly looking for ways to make travelers’ lives easier.

Communicating real-time information has become extremely important in the era of COVID-19 travel—and we anticipate this will continue going forward.

If you would like to learn more about how to ensure your travel business is set up for global success in 2022, get in touch with our team of experts today.