The hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic in 2022, so many properties revamped their rooms and added amenities. In response, travellers will venture beyond their home countries to explore the world. Here are five predictions for the year 2022 with a focus on one of the most resilient brands during the Covid period, Expedia:
Expedia summer will be busiest
The world’s largest travel booking website, Expedia, predicts that summer 2022 will be its busiest season ever. The reason: pent-up demand from years of travel restrictions. Travel restrictions have begun to ease in the U.S. and Europe, which should boost international tourism and lead to a record-breaking summer season for Expedia. Expedia has been growing since Covid disrupted the industry.
Domestic travel will be popular
Traveling domestically is still a safe choice for most people. Even international travel may be safe in 2022 if countries commit to remaining open. However, you should be careful to check which countries’ policies are unpredictable and continue checking lockdown levels which can change as well. The result may be that domestic travel will be a trend again. Taking extended vacations may even become more popular in the coming years as well as working from home. These factors will influence the types of travel you plan in 2022.
Most profitable season for Expedia
Summer is the busiest season for travel companies, according to Expedia’s CEO, and this year it will be even busier. In previous pandemic cycles, summer was the busiest season for travel companies. In this time of uncertainty, travel bookings are likely to accelerate. For example, no longer will travellers be required to show proof of vaccination or Covid-19 test results. Further, airline company Ryanair expects a 115% increase in summer 2022 passenger volume.
Family reunions will be popular
Planning a family reunion will involve many aspects, including travel and activities. Family members will need to coordinate their schedules, but there are ways to make the planning process easier. To find cheaper rates and more options, look for off-season dates. Reunions may also be affected by health issues, so choose a location that allows for maximum participation. In addition to finding the perfect location, find out how much the reunion will cost.
COVID-related barriers to travel
Naturally during a time of global pandemic there are gonna be certain barriers to travel. The perception of COVID-19 and the prospect of noncompliance are the two biggest comfort barriers that North Americans and U.K. travelers face when considering a trip to a country afflicted with the virus. While there is no universal definition of COVID-19, there are common traits among travelers that may lead to improved perceptions. In particular, North Americans consider their comfort and wellbeing as more important barriers than Europeans, despite their lower vaccination rates.