Need to Know Research: How the Delta Variant Is Affecting Travelers

Most advisors have already seen an impact on their business from the Delta variant of COVID-19, according to a survey of more than 400 agents, part of TravelAge West’s Need to Know research series. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of respondents feel that the new strain of the virus has had a negative effect on people’s desire to travel.

Perhaps this is not surprising, as the majority of advisors admit to being worried themselves about the variant when in a public setting: 14% are worried all the time, 37% are worried some of the time, 27% are rarely worried, and 22% are never worried.

“Last year, my clients’ insecurities were primarily due to the protection of one’s own health and safety,” said Suzy Schreiner, owner of Azure Blue Vacations in Bothell, Wash. “Now, I’m finding that the concern is more for the anticipation of inconvenience. Will countries shut down again, mid-travel? Will their trip be canceled at the last minute (again)? Will they test positive after getting to Europe and miss out on their tour or cruise? Their confidence started to rise at the beginning of summer and is now being dashed to some extent.”

Most advisors (55%) say they have had a client consider delaying, canceling or changing their travel plans because of the Delta variant.

“Thankfully, I have not had any cancellations due to the uptick in the Delta variant,” Schreiner said. “However, I have had clients express concern for their upcoming travel. Of those, 60% are ready and willing to travel, but concerned that their plans will get canceled or that countries will close up again; 20% are concerned that there will be more restrictions and their vacations will not be enjoyable; and the other 20% have expressed concern about their own health and the Delta variant.”

Indeed, clients’ reactions to the Delta variant — and ensuing precautions — varies. Nearly half (46%) of advisors have clients who will not travel if they have to wear a mask indoors.

Vaccination rates continue to have a strong effect on travel: About one-third (30%) have clients who are getting vaccinated because of the new strain. A strong majority (58%) of respondents say they would not personally travel to a destination with low vaccination rates, and 56% say their clients would avoid such places, as well.

“Of the clients who express concern, they are primarily focused on the actual virus numbers and spikes versus overall vaccination percentage,” Schreiner said. “That said, many of my vaccinated clients prefer to plan vacations on ships or destinations that require a vaccine.”

Advisors overwhelmingly agree with this approach — 81% of respondents believe cruise lines are right in offering the option of vaccinated-only sailings.

Industry meeting planners need to be aware of the hesitancy among advisors, as well. Respondents are split on the idea of attending an in-person conference this year: 51% say they would attend, while 49% say they would not. When it comes to mask-optional conferences, the numbers are also split: 52% are very or somewhat comfortable with that format, and 48% are very or somewhat uncomfortable with masks being optional.