Virtuoso’s latest data — gathered from its travel advisors, supplier partners and some of the organization’s highest net worth clients — paints a sunny forecast for the future of travel, even as the world enters year three of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Five main trends emerged as key motivators for travel in 2022, and one thing is clear: Travel is gearing up to be bigger — and more expensive — than ever.
Travel Trend #1: The “Antibody Window” Will Be the Prime Time to Travel
As the Omicron variant retreats, consumers will be more motivated than ever to travel, especially in the months immediately following a positive COVID-19 case and recovery, called "the antibody window." In fact, many Virtuoso advisors say their COVID-19-positive clients are reaching out to them about future travel while they are still in quarantine.
Travel Trend #2: Bigger, Bolder Trips: African Safaris, Caribbean Islands, International Cities and Ocean Cruises Will Be the Top Itineraries
Of Virtuoso’s advisors who specialize in exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, 76% have seen a recent spike in ultra-luxury travel, with top itinerary choices including embarking on an African safari; visiting islands in the Caribbean; heading to international city destinations; and setting sail on ocean cruises.
Because the industry is trending toward bigger, bolder travel experiences, clients who have deeper pockets (or newfound financial security) will likely be spending more. This will be helpful given the recent rise of inflation, too (currently, future hotel rates are projected to skyrocket 80% in the U.S., and airfare costs are up 19% since pre-pandemic times).
Travel Trend #3: Using a Travel Advisor Is No Longer a Luxury, But a Necessity
Moving forward, consumers will increasingly turn to a trusted travel advisor to help them navigate ever-changing COVID-19-era travel restrictions and protocols. Although the pandemic wreaked havoc on the travel advisor profession as cases spiked, agents’ hard work and added value has paid off: Travelers seeking a Virtuoso travel advisor grew 50% last year compared to 2020.
Travel Trend #4: “Celebration Travel” Is on the Rise
The way travelers experience honeymoons, weddings, anniversaries and other life milestones drastically changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, a main motivator for travel is to get together with friends and family and celebrate. Seventy-eight percent of Virtuoso’s advisors have seen an uptick in so-called “celebration travel,” and 95% believe this will be a top trend throughout 2022. Birthdays and anniversaries reign supreme when it comes to travel occasions, and Mexico and the Caribbean islands snag the top spots for family travel and multigenerational groups.
Travel Trend: #5: The Drive Toward Sustainable, Responsible Travel Isn’t Going Away
Sustainability and socially responsible travel topped trend lists even before the pandemic, but Virtuoso is dubbing the act of booking ethically responsible post-pandemic trips the “conscious comeback.”
And travelers can contribute to such a comeback by vetting supplier partners that pay attention to three pillars: protecting the planet, supporting local economies and celebrating cultures.
According to recent Virtuoso data, 82% of travelers said the pandemic has made them want to travel more responsibly in the future, and 78% are looking for travel providers who have a strong sustainability policy.
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