New travel trends during the Covid-19 pandemic

Staycation

Staycation is a new concept of a tourism trend that emerged in 2019 - 2020, meaning local tourism, only holidays close to home, even in the city. In 2019, staycation in the UK contributed more than 107 billion USD to the country's economy and when Covid-19 occurred, revenue from staycation decreased to 29.5 billion USD in 2020.

However, when travel bans and border closures were introduced, the staycation trend increased significantly. For example, this spring, the website specializing in renting rooms and vacation homes, Luxury Cotswold Rental, saw a 166% increase in traffic and a 138% increase in the number of guests compared to the annual average.

Sustainable tourism development

One of the few benefits that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought is the restoration of the natural environment, the reduction of toxic NO₂Flights around the world have been largely grounded, beaches that were once packed and once-bustling streets have been largely empty, allowing residents to explore freely.

Of course, this will be temporary, as countries revive industries with environmental initiatives. Major airlines are appealing to governments to delay travel restrictions and reduce emissions, while campaigners are calling for tighter conditions on airline bailouts linked to the Paris Agreement on climate change.

However, after the pandemic occurs, activities gradually return, and environmentally friendly travel methods will become a strength and be welcomed by travel companies and tourists.

Explore the wilderness

After a long period of social distancing, the greatest need of people is to be free to roam and be in harmony with nature. Tourists are eager to find open spaces, beautiful scenery and convenient for outdoor exploration activities. Holidays with tents, camps or isolated bungalows are increasingly attracting those who are truly passionate about traveling in the wild.

The growing popularity of protected area tours also contributes to the preservation of natural ecosystems. For example, the Ibera Estuaries in Argentina, the world’s second largest freshwater wetland, has four campsites. The income from these campsites goes to support the conservation of rare animals such as jaguars.

Meanwhile, advanced cities around the world are trying to create more green space. Copenhagen, for example, is building artificial islands where tourists and residents can swim, kayak, boat, fish or organize picnics.

The secluded resorts

Many of us are daydreaming about exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Beaches, popular vacation rentals, hotels, and big cities are no longer a priority in our travel plans.

Instead, private villas, classic style boats, as well as peaceful, quiet beaches, rivers, lakes, mountains and countryside will increasingly attract visitors. In addition, traveling by helicopter, private plane, renting entire resorts or islands are also preferred by the rich.

Some examples of places that are catering to the needs of isolated travelers include: Le Bijou Hotel in Zurich, Switzerland, which sells smart vacation homes with pandemic services such as iPads to request private chefs, health monitors and in-room Covid-19 testing. If you go to the Maldives and stay at Sun Siyam Resort for up to 50 guests, it will cost only 1 million USD to book a room on one of two islands (Iru Veli or Vilu Reef) for 15 days.

The trip of a lifetime

Wealthy travelers are planning to take the trip of a lifetime in the coming years, reflecting in part the increased demand for travel after restrictions were lifted. They are willing to spend big on holidays that were previously only a dream.

The pandemic has forced these people to rearrange their priorities in life, especially those who have had to stay at home for too long during the lockdown period, will have more time to think. They may skip long trips abroad or small holidays to have the trip of a lifetime.

Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato, a website that sells luxury and exclusive travel, says: "People are using this time to dream about big trips that no one else would have thought of. We've seen this with people booking rooms in Argentina for the solar eclipse, Iceland for the winter aurora, or Kenya for safaris at the Angama Mara."

Rosemary