We’re all waiting to go back to ‘normal’, but what part of ‘normal’ do you want to go back to? This is the perfect time to reflect and decide what you and your business wish to leave behind and what you’d like to focus on, moving forward into this new age of travel.
You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘new normal’ a bunch of times now and you may be thinking, what even is it? What does it mean?
Well, that all depends on what you want it to mean. Now is the time to really think about what you want to stand for, post-COVID-19. To allow the inauthentic to slip away and be an advocate for the type of travel you and your customers will benefit from the most.
Here are a few of the travel trends we’d like to see in this new age of travel:
The beauty of Slow Travel
Gone are the days where you try to fit as many destinations into three weeks as physically possible! (Who needs sleep anyway? Just get the overnight train!)
Travellers are likely going to be more interested in exploring a destination in-depth and like a local, rather than skimming over somewhere just for a tick on their bucket list.
“Life is a journey, not a destination.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
We think there will be an increase in travellers opting to take overland transport, such as trains, local buses and ferries to enhance their cultural experience and lessen their carbon footprint.
Less greed from big companies
You may have once wished that you were one of only a small number of people on that darn boat/plane/beach/city, and now, thanks to social distancing laws, maybe you will be!
Okay, we get this isn’t necessarily a good thing, as perhaps travel might become more expensive, but smaller passenger numbers might be a welcome site for service staff, passengers, and planet Earth, post-COVID-19.
Larger companies will have to start taking a larger responsibility for the health, safety, and interest of its passengers and work closely with agents to support this.
“I’d like to see uniformity in t&cs for all airlines sold directly through online ops and agents”
Anonymous Travel Agent
Supporting Small Businesses & Local Communities
We think that there will be a rise in travellers wishing to take tours that support local communities and off-set their travel impact.
There’s a rise in people choosing to spend their hard-earned money consciously, using their spending choices to stand up for what they believe in. I guess you could call it spending activism.
The more we spend in local communities, the bigger the positive difference we can make during our adventures.
Less promotion of destinations suffering from over-tourism
Over-tourism is a problem. We are all aware of this. If there’s a glimmer of something a little bit good from this horrific situation, it’s that some of these destinations have had a breather from the crowds.
READ: Clear Waters: Animals Come Out Of Italy Lockdown
READ: The ‘Frozen’ Fairytale Town Discouraging Tourists
It’s time to step out of the “doing it for the gram” travel phase and into appreciating travel for the gift it is. Let’s embrace tailor-made experiences and share stories with others from around the world.
Travel will always unite us.
An Attitude of Gratitude
We’ve always known travel is a luxury, but this whole iso-thing has reminded us all of how lucky we are to be able to explore the world we live in.
When we are able to travel once more (soon, hopefully!) may we all remember how wonderful it is to wander; and take with us an appreciation for freedom.
This new norm of travel gratitude could also include immersing ourselves in the fascinating culture that we have here at home too.
Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.
What would you like the industry to leave behind or focus more on when COVID-19 is nothing more than a distant memory?
Let us know, email editor@karryon.com.au