Travel Predictions for 2023
A lot happened in the travel industry in 2022. But, unfortunately, there have been some serious bumps along the way for the travel industry post-Covid recovery, including thousands of flight delays and cancellations due to what many deemed a “global lost luggage crisis” last summer. So what are the travel predictions for 2023 saying:
Here you can read a few predictions we managed to get from a few reputable sources.
With travel, the new normal has become the ‘no-normal
An Expedia, Hotels.com, and VRBO study predicts 2023 will be the year of “non-normal travel.” Instead of seeing family or friends post-pandemic, travellers in 2023 will do the unexpected-whatever they want.
Despite some emerging travel trends, people do whatever they genuinely enjoy, whether digital nomading, off-the-grid travel, wellness breaks, focusing on culture or taking that dream trip on the bucket list.
Are your travel plans affected by this? Regarding travel, the world permits you to do anything you want, as long as your pocket can take it.
Costs of travelling are increasing
Travel will be more expensive in 2023 due to rising fuel costs, labour shortages, and inflation. However, you can skip becoming a budget backpacker to travel.
The key to savvy travel is knowing how and where to save and indulge. It will help if you are looking for valuable deals and hacks to save and take all the benefits from the loyalty programs, rewards and points.
Despite industry challenges, travel grows
Economist Intelligence predicts a 30% increase in global tourism in 2023. So the rise in demand may pose a problem for airlines and hotels, which are still struggling with labour shortages. As a result, during peak travel times, you may experience delays, cancellations, lost luggage, overbooking, and other frustrating travel issues throughout 2023.
Travelling off-season or not checking luggage are simple ways to avoid travel drama.
It may not be long before the off-season is no longer “off”
Is the off-season the new peak season?
Travelling off-season means avoiding peak travel periods such as Christmas, Easter, and summer and instead travelling in the winter, late fall, or early spring.
While prices are rising, travellers are beginning to wise up and look for cheaper travel during those quieter seasons when fewer tourists are around.
You can save money by travelling during the low season (or redeem your points for an off-peak hotel or flight).
Rewards and loyalty programs will become more popular
Airlines are getting ready with travel reward cards offering services like lounge assess or free checked bags. In addition, priority passes are some of the benefits most credit cards provide with their partnerships with major travel providers. So stay alert for those perks when planning your travels.
You can travel more in 2023 if you have more travel rewards. Almost half of the respondents to a Hyatt survey said they would change their travel plans to earn or redeem points, proving points and miles are valuable currency today. So with a massive stash of points, you could take that 2023 dream trip you couldn’t afford otherwise, allowing you to take those free hotel nights or airfares.
Sustainable Travel Powers in 2023
An Expedia study from 2022 found that 90% of respondents in 11 global markets look for sustainable travel options. As a result, sustainability continues to advance at high speed in the travel industry.
By 2050, U.S. airlines plan to achieve net-zero emissions. In 2023, what will be the situation? Delta Airlines has reduced single-use plastic consumption by nearly 5 million pounds yearly by revamping amenity kits, onboard dining materials, and bedding. In addition, airlines like Transavia are replacing their fleets with more environmentally friendly planes. With its first A320neo, this airline will reduce emissions by 15% by 2023.
Sustainable travel may be ushered in by entirely eco-friendly airlines. For example, the French airline Flying Green will launch in 2023, aiming to be the first zero-emission airline in the world.
In the coming years, eco-friendly change won’t just be a concern for travellers and airlines. Sustainability is also a priority for hotels, cities, and attractions. Palma de Mallorca limited cruise ship arrivals to three per day by the end of 2022. Venice charges tourist fees for visits in 2023 for a day visit to the city, bookable online a day in advance.
Some major hotel chains have implemented changes, such as reducing single-use plastic and redistributing food waste. Big brands like Marriott have lofty goals to reduce water consumption, landfill waste, and carbon emissions by 2025. The construction of many carbon-neutral hotels is underway worldwide. Including a Populus property in Colorado that claims it will be the first carbon-positive hotel in the U.S. to open in 2023.
As more eco-friendly policies are implemented, travellers will have just a bit more power in 2023 to choose hotels, airlines, tours, attractions and destinations aligned with their commitments to sustainability, despite many of the industry’s sustainability changes taking place slowly over time.
Business Travel Evolves: Working Remotely and ‘Bleisure’
Travel for business is returning but at a slow pace. Skift reports that business travel may return to normal by 2026.
Experts predict remote work will continue to grow in 2023, and many may want to work from exciting new locations.
Nomads and remote workers are welcome in many countries. For example, Spain is launching its digital nomad visa at the beginning of this year, and some other countries like Malta or Barbados have done that already.
A new trend, a combination of business and leisure travel, is also rising, known as bleasure travel.
To fully accommodate this new trend, Airbnb and significant hotels are putting importance on offering speedy WiFi and proper working desks.
In addition to having increased technology features and co-working spaces in many major cities, travellers can expect more charging ports and various wellness and self-care offers.
We can see Switzerland in the middle of all those changes, fast adjusting to those needs of 2023.
Airlines making an effort to become more sustainable, and hotels implementing all those measures to become more sustainable, same for tourist attractions and destinations around the country. New Co-working and Co-living places around caching interests of remote workers and bleasure travellers.
The lack of snow is missing the cards for Swiss tourism, but e still hope that by the end of the winter season, many more travellers, skiers and mountain lovers will be happy with the overall experience.
If you have missed some od our informative and interesting articles, visit our Media Section, and do not forget our Clients.
Photo by Bambi Corro on Unsplash
