Often considered as one of the biggest drivers of world economy, tourism is also a great tool in building connections, dissolving borders and fostering global peace.
Each year UNWTO dedicates a special theme for World Tourism Day and this year the theme is aptly, “Tourism & Sustainable Transformation” which emphasizes the critical importance of sustainability in travel practices and how tourism can be a powerful catalyst in driving this much needed change. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, here is a look at current travel trends that are going strong this year. There has been a steady and robust growth in the number of people travelling similar to the surge in “revenge travel” which we witnessed post the Covid 19 pandemic with Japan, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Thailand and even Fiji being some of the most popular destinations to which tourists have been flocking this year.
Focus on Sustainability and Eco-friendly Practices: There has been a growing demand especially from the younger generation to travel more responsibly and hence there is a steady increase in travellers seeking eco friendly accommodations, sustainable travel methods and leaving a positive impact on the destination rather than a negative one. In this connection, more and more travellers are looking to support the local economy whether in the form of shopping for authentic souvenirs from local artisans, staying in homestays run by the locals and even learning local art and crafts.
Discerning Experiences: Given the awareness of the perils of over tourism, there are more travellers today seeking immersive experiences whether taking part in local festivals, understanding native cuisine and engaging with the local community. Thus, there an increase in offerings like culture trails, architecture forward walks, culinary explorations and intimate cultural events. There is also a shift from destinations that have suffered from over tourism to similar but less visited places which are often called Destination Dupes. Think Bucharest instead of Paris, Perth instead of Sydney and Chioggia instead of Venice.
Coolcations: In light of global warming and the general increase in temperatures the world over, there has been an uptick in people preferring destinations with cooler temperatures and those located in higher altitudes. So, think Finland and Norway rather than the warm southern Europe and swapping beach holidays for hill stations and mountain retreats.
Noctourism: Nocturnal tourism refers to the focus on nighttime travel experiences including visiting museums that are open till late in the night, star gazing, spending time on bioluminescent beaches and even gazing at the Northern lights. The latter is in fact seeing a surge in demand considering that solar activity is expected to be at its peak this year.
Sleep and Calmcations: There is no denying that stress levels have been increasing like never before and most travellers are preferring to relax and unwind during holidays rather than indulge in sightseeing and ticking off things on their bucket lists. So, whether it is a quiet retreat in an island off the Swedish archipelago or a getaway amidst nature, travellers are preferring to spend some quiet time in order to rejuvenate and recharge. In this context, sleepcations are going strong in that there are a rising number of people opting for holidays where they get an opportunity to sleep well thereby improving their mental wellbeing. From premium sleep amenities like blackout curtains and high-quality mattresses to tailor made programs to improve sleep patterns, there are resorts offering a plethora of options for the sleep deprived traveller.Role of AI: As with all sectors, the role of AI in travel and tourism has been an impactful one. From trip planning and carving out detailed itineraries to flight booking and finalizing accommodations and transfers, technology has been playing a bigger role than ever before making travel an easier and more convenient experience for the end user. Securing the best deals, providing personalized recommendations and useful information are just of the things generative AI is capable of. It is also possible to experience highly interactive virtual tours of destinations using technologies like augmented reality helping travellers make a more informed decision. Therefore, it is safe to say that AI and related technologies have been playing a pivotal role in the life of a traveller.
