In our latest issue, we covered our 16th annual WAVE (Western Advisors Votes of Excellence) Awards, as well as our 2021 Trendsetter Awards. It’s always an honor to profile innovative travel suppliers and advisors, but this year it’s even sweeter knowing what we have all been through during the COVID-19 pandemic. The companies and advisors we feature are resilient and battle-tested, and have found a way to remain supportive of their customers and partners. As we emerge from this crisis, these are the people and organizations that will lead us in our industry’s recovery.
Fortunately, the return of travel seems to be happening already. According to a recent Longwoods International survey, 40% of travelers report they will spend time with family this holiday season without any COVID-19 precautions or concern; 35% will gather with family but with some health and safety precautions (outdoor venues, mask wearing, etc.); and 32% will limit the size of family gatherings this year. Only 4% reported they do not plan to attend family gatherings this fall and winter because of COVID-19 concerns.
Only 4% [of travelers] reported they do not plan to attend family gatherings this fall and winter because of COVID-19 concerns.
In addition, the number of travelers with trip plans in the next six months now stands at 91%, the highest level since the beginning of the pandemic and up from a low of 57% last December. And the percentage of travelers planning to change upcoming travel plans because of COVID-19 has declined to 46%, down from a pandemic peak of 85% in April of last year.
“Fear of family travel and get-togethers has receded dramatically compared to the holiday period last year,” said Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International. “This is good news for the tourism industry, since visiting friends and family is typically the top reason Americans travel to cities and states throughout the U.S.”
There’s no doubt that a strong holiday season will be a welcome sign of things to come in 2022, when families will gather together on vacation once again to make lifelong memories.
