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- Travelers want and have the means to get back out there.\u00a0<\/strong>Nearly three-quarters say they want to travel within the first three months of restrictions being lifted.\u00a0 The challenge travelers face is more about when, where and how they can best venture out. For example, nearly 82% of respondents in MEA say they would consider international trips once restrictions are lifted, but only 55% say they expect to have the same or more budget for leisure travel as they did before. \u00a0From how far, to how long, to how often – travelers are clear about what they are willing to consider to start traveling again.<\/li>\n
- Details increasingly matter.<\/strong> Travelers\u2019appetite for flying, staying at hotels, and traveling by train and rental car remain overwhelmingly strong. Yet nearly 84% of travelers surveyed in the MEA region say information on COVID-19 prevention measures are \u201cvery important\u201d to know up front before they book a hotel, with 75% saying the same for air travel. Price continues to play a role in decision-making, but other COVID-19 related factors now weigh in as travelers take their time to fully evaluate both their destination and transit options.\u00a0 Customization and personalization are key cornerstones of the trip.<\/li>\n
- Contingency plans are no longer optional.<\/strong> Travel insurance grows in prominence with young and old. \u00a0At least one-third of all respondents say they are seeking more travel insurance coverage than before COVID-19. Specifically, 79% of those surveyed globally see insurance as a necessity when travelling internationally. Flexibility to make changes or collect refunds are just one part of the leisure traveler\u2019s overall insurance cost benefit equation.<\/li>\n
- Travel agents are far from pass\u00e9.<\/strong> Travelers now place a higher premium on problem solving and support, especially for longer journeys.\u00a070% of all those surveyed were open to custom travel experiences, either advised by travel agents or designed themselves. With an array of uncertainties still unfolding, Amadeus sees the potential for travel sellers to play a bigger role in helping consumers successfully navigate their options throughout all phases of their trip experience to strengthen confidence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Managing Director of Amadeus Gulf<\/strong>, notes: \u201cMillions of travelers are out there dreaming of their next adventure.\u00a0 They need the travel industry to share what measures are being taken to help keep travelers safe. Enabling travelers to successfully navigate the many variables, such as changing border restrictions, airline and hotel capacity adjustments, and other operational twists and turns, will go a long way to get people travelling again.\u201d<\/p>\n
- Details increasingly matter.<\/strong> Travelers\u2019appetite for flying, staying at hotels, and traveling by train and rental car remain overwhelmingly strong. Yet nearly 84% of travelers surveyed in the MEA region say information on COVID-19 prevention measures are \u201cvery important\u201d to know up front before they book a hotel, with 75% saying the same for air travel. Price continues to play a role in decision-making, but other COVID-19 related factors now weigh in as travelers take their time to fully evaluate both their destination and transit options.\u00a0 Customization and personalization are key cornerstones of the trip.<\/li>\n
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