The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has reverberated through every country and every industry, with travel being among the first to be affected and dealt a particularly difficult blow. Barely a month after worldwide lockdowns and border closures effectively sealed off entire countries from reach, many are already looking back fondly on the halcyon days of travel.
Until February, a pressing crisis for the leisure tourism industry was actually overtourism. Blooming economies were growing flight routes, making the world more accessible than ever before and flooding destinations like Iceland, Barcelona, and Tulum with more tourists than they could handle. Now the existential crisis is the industry’s very existence.
While leisure tourism’s return is sure to be haphazard, with different paths to reopening for different destinations, there are some trends that will ring true globally.
As different cities, states/provinces and countries have staggered timelines for reopening, travelers itching for a getaway will be more likely to cautiously venture out in their own backyards first. Expect a deeper appreciation for the hyperlocal and support of local small businesses at a time when the importance of community and human connection has never been more tangible. Larger brands can partner with independent businesses within their communities to build goodwill and grassroots support.
Road trips to locations like The Point in Upstate New York, Langdon Hall outside Toronto and Long Beach Lodge Resort on Vancouver Island (guests can enjoy themselves in nature with luxury accommodations and dining while continuing to observe social distancing guidelines) will be safer than anything requiring a flight. Far flung bucket-list destinations will no longer be quite as appealing amidst ever-changing regulations, especially considering that international vacations may require mandatory quarantines upon arriving home.
Countries like New Zealand, who have done an admirable job of flattening the curve, will be cautious about letting foreign travelers back in. Around the world, domestic tourism will be the first step to reopening borders to leisure travelers.
Wellness tourism was already growing twice as fast as the overall travel industry in the past several years, and the pandemic only underscores the importance of physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Immunity boosting meals, amenities and spa treatments will proliferate and destination spa getaways like Miraval, Chiva-Som and Sparkling Hill Resort will entice an even broader audience. In-room spa treatments will become more popular among guests seeking to minimize physical contact. In-room dining menus will expand and innovate to provide more novel dining experiences – a multi-course meal al fresco with live music or a private cooking lesson in the comfort of your suite.
We hope the focus on wellness extends to the environmental impact and sustainability of travel too. With dramatic reductions in pollution globally during the lockdown, perhaps slower more intentional travel and longer stays incorporating more meaningful interactions with the local community will eclipse the jetsetting travel lifestyles flaunted on social media.
With extended time in quarantine, we have explored new virtual ways to connect with friends through Zoom happy hours, Jackbox.tv game nights and Instagram Live yoga classes. However, these virtual substitutes only go so far to satisfy our needs for in-person social connection.
Once travel is possible again, look to these same groups to bring their virtual bonds offline in a tangible, experiential fashion. Friends who have had to cancel trips will be looking to rebook alternatives. After sheltering in place with family, or solo, now is the time for friends to reconnect and let loose. Golf weekends or beach escapes could be just the ticket after feeling cooped up from sheltering in place. New norms for social distancing will still apply, but resorts and tourism destinations can appeal to girls’ and boys’ weekends. Outdoor adventures and experiences in nature will be favored, whether that’s canyoning, hiking, snorkeling or wakeboarding. More than ever, travelers want to feel alive and an exhilarating experience shared with friends will strengthen bonds and create new memories.
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Strategies for Staying Connected: Tips on what to post during this time.
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