After covid lockdowns, outdoor and drivable destinations were popular for domestic travellers. Supporting locals and seeing ‘your own backyard’ were among the trends of holidaymakers when emerging out of the pandemic. However, travel trends for 2023 suggest emerging new norms are quickly shaping the world of travel planning.
Jon Gieselman, Expedia Brands President, emphasised the surge in getaways to culture capitals.
“We see a detailed and robust picture of travel into 2023,” Gieselman said. “We’re seeing a surge in trips to culture capitals, a new wave of interest in wellness retreats, and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches and mountains.”
Research conducted by Expedia Group Media Solutions showed that 46 percent of consumers said travel is more important to them now than it was pre-covid. Adapting to the pandemic's unpredictability, 77 percent of hotel professionals implemented new pricing structures, refunds and cancellation policies.
International travel is back with a significant increase from 2020 to 2023. In the next 12 months, 50 percent of consumers are likely to travel overseas rather than 12 percent back in 2020.
Nowadays, more than half of consumers place emphasis on cost, with 60 percent saying getting the right price is vital. Many people are travelling for a purpose, such as for physical and mental health, a change of scenery, and to make up for lost time.
3-Star Superstars
With cost in mind, many travellers seek more innovative ways to see the world without boosting their budget. In the U.S., nearly one-third of travellers are concerned about the value of money. As of 2023, 40 percent of U.S. travellers plan to stay in 1-3 star hotels.
Wellness Wave
Millennials are the top drivers for travellers seeking a wellness break – 60 percent of 25-34 year-olds search for alternative health getaways. Gen Z has a different approach, booking adventures in countries such as Norway, Turkey, Switzerland, Iceland, or Sri Lanka.
Sustainability and Accessibility
Many travellers place a high emphasis on sustainability, where two in three consumers want to know what sustainable policies venues have in place. Consumers are also seeking more inclusive travel options – 70 percent said they are likely to travel somewhere with more accessibility options despite the price.
