As we close out 2022 and the end of yet another rollercoaster of emotions working in travel, it’s time to take stock of all that we’ve collectively endured and achieved on this occasionally scary, often blurry and always surprising year-long ride for the ages.
Reaching the end of any year gives us the chance to pause and reflect on all that we did, celebrate our wins, and question what we could have done better or perhaps shouldn’t have done at all.
So while 2020 and 2021 were undoubtedly the worst of years to forget for the travel industry, the dawning of 2022 officially heralded the beginning of our new voyage to recovery and the golden fleece of some predictable normality.
At least, that’s what was supposed to happen.
In reality, the new year ticked over with much of Australia carrying an Omicron hangover until sometime in February. The always-on action-packed months that followed coughed up a myriad of opportunities, challenges, frustrations and unwelcome changes resulting from the pandemic’s unruly domino effect. I could go on, but do we really need to remind ourselves again? Nah.
Of course, the overarchingly brilliant news is that travel is back! We’ve also heard that on repeat all year because, yes! It is, and it’s truly incredible, given the doldrums we’ve been in for the last few years.
We’re back in the game, we’re beyond busy, and many of us were lucky to travel overseas ourselves in 2022. But it’s a new game if you work in travel, with new rules that are still formulating.
So not surprisingly, if you ask anyone in the industry how they feel right now, the honest answer will likely be ‘exhausted’. The end of any year normally feels tiring, but this year? Following on from two previous years of exhaustion equals … Insert your appropriate definition here.
Time to take a moment to reflect
This year has been monumental for all of us working in travel.
It’s been exceptionally challenging, amazing, distressing, rewarding and relentless, all at the same time. Because, as we all now understand, everything really has changed and will only continue to change at a rapid rate.
There’s no going back. We are already living in the new normal. This frequently overwhelming pace of change is not an easy thing for us mere mortals to deal with.
So the question to reflect on is; are you proud of yourself and your achievements this year? Because you should be.
I’m not talking about awards, rewards, promotions, and pay raises here when I say achievements (though if this happened to you – congratulations!). No, I’m talking about your being super proud of successfully navigating the endless pressure of juggling and attaining a work/life balance under more extreme and unknown circumstances.
For that reason, you should feel so very proud of yourself for what you have been able to achieve with the time and energy you have been able to muster. For the sacrifices you have made and for your belief and commitment to staying the still uncertain course while supporting and lifting others along the way.
Think about that for a moment. You have made a difference in so many ways you could never know, and already, that is more than enough.
Together in Travel in 2023 and beyond
2023 is already shaping up to be another massive year in the recovery of travel, with more opportunities for all.
So the infectious sentiment I’m taking into the new year will be the continued desire by so many within the industry to reconnect, unite and collaborate with the goal of building back better.
Clearly, there is still so much to solve to create a level playing field for all and meet traveller and industry demands sustainably and equitably. But through partnership, dialogue, idea sharing, and mutual agreements come innovation, progression, and ultimately positive outcomes for the long-term benefit of many rather than just a few.
Already, there are so many glowing examples of individuals, travel companies and associations that have come together in the last couple of years to share new ways of thinking across our entire sector.
In a (soon to be) post-pandemic world, genuine relationships based on mutual goals and trust have never been more critical. Because, as we know, it’s people that make the difference, always.
The pandemic reminded us that we couldn’t do it all alone and that, actually, it’s far more fun, interesting and rewarding when we achieve things together. It turns out we need each other more than we realised.
We clearly see Karryon’s mission and purpose always to unite, not divide the industry and be the connector in this cooperative space. We can’t wait to share so many new ‘Together in Travel’ initiatives we have planned for 2023 with you to bring this notion to life further.
In the meantime, and on behalf of all of us at Karryon, I want to extend a huge thank you for your incredible support in 2022 and wish you a fun and restful (with a big emphasis on restful) festive break and a very happy new year.
Happy holidays, onward and upwards, and see you in 2023.
Matt and team Karryon.
Oh! I almost forgot. As a special favour, I asked my good mate Chris Hemsworth to remind you how awesome you are, just in case you still don’t believe me. You’re welcome.
Want to share your thoughts for 2022 and beyond? You can email Matt here.
