The Pandemic decimated the travel industry....

If you think travel prices were high this year, then be prepared folks, they are set to continue to rise, but this is not the only consideration for the post-pandemic traveler, as their final trips of the year are being made and 2023 travel is being planned.

Travel as a whole has changed, along with traveler expectations. Where previously their major concern was getting to their destination on time and being reunited with their luggage; several additional factors have now emerged as impacting travelers.

Covid Is Here To Stay

The reality of covid and its impact, along with the fear of infection and general anxiety about health and safety, may have lessened; but it is now a permanent part of our travel experiences, whether we like it or not.

Increased Travel Costs

These have soared, not just in terms of flights and accommodation, but have been joined by the realisation of many travelers, that a decent travel insurance deal, will save a whole of pain, should they find themselves caught up in a covid incident.

Insurance Costs

Insurance used to be ignored by a large sector of travelers, as an unnecessary addition to their travel budgets. The pandemic exposed this hopefully optimistic insurance vibe.

What has emerged is the strong growth of the bespoke insurance section - tailor-made customer insurance packages, that cover not just trip basics, but also offer the traveler, comprehensive coverage, should their trip be interrupted or canceled due to covid/illness etc.

Meeting Passenger Expectations

More passengers expect more from their airlines than ever before. Passengers expressed frustration at being left out in the dark by airlines, about travel updates during the course of the pandemic.

Post-pandemic passengers now expect more from travel companies in terms of communication, disclosure and transparency about everything from symptoms to risks associated with traveling during an emergency situation like the pandemic.

Considering Alternatives

Accommodation costs are rising, opening the door to travelers considering alternatives like hostels, as confirmed by the likes of Hostelword, who today confirmed, that net bookings are on the rise and total revenue figures, have now surpassed 2019 levels as cancellation rates normalized.

Social Media Pay-Off

Traditionally social media influencers have helped to promote previously under-explored global destinations. As those smart travel influencers and brands, first survived, but are now on the other side of the pandemic, they have been able to capitalise on the post-pandemic travel explosion.

The hostel sector has become increasingly popular as travelers seek ways to reduce their travel costs. There has also been a segment shift in hostel guests - who are no longer primarily younger backpackers - age ranges are shifting along with new categories of ex-airbnbers and remote workers.

Hostelworld, whose revenue bookings are up 4% on higher than pre-pandemic levels, which resulted in 'strong growth week over week' with a surge of people signing up to their app.

Sustainable Travel

Travelers are moving towards using more sustainable forms of transportation - taking fewer trips but staying longer at their destinations and engaging on a deeper level with the local cultures they're visiting

Sustainable Trends

Increased trends in green travel have made inroads into people’s everyday lives. The travel industry is taking note and has been working hard to respond by providing travelers with sustainable transportation options like ride-sharing, car-sharing, and public transit.

These modes of transport have helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as traffic congestion thanks to reduced reliance on fossil fuels—creating a win-win situation for travelers who want an environmentally friendly way of getting around town without sacrificing convenience or comfort.

Summary

The ramifications of the pandemic, despite the world now being open again for business, are still being felt, but travel companies still need to remain engaged and vigilant in protecting their passengers and ensuring that they have a safe and enjoyable experience.