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Emerging Travel Trends From American Express Travel

By Matt Turner Sep 24, 2021 10:39am

Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, has shared the top six emerging travel trends, as shaped by the company’s latest survey data. The trends intend to help guide travel experts, professionals, and enthusiasts for their return to travel plans They are:

1. The Resurgence of the Travel Advisor

As consumers look to find their next vacation spot, they are seeking out travel advisors to help them navigate through the complex travel environment. Even the most seasoned travelers are looking for a second opinion when booking travel right now and are looking to speak directly to someone that they can trust. New Amex Trendex survey data even found 36 percent of Millennials say they are more likely to call their travel provider due to the pandemic.

2. Desire To Travel Big, Shop Small

Travelers want to learn and provide a positive experience to the places they travel to and are looking for guidance from travel brands on how to support and engage with small businesses while traveling. In fact, Amex Trendex survey data found that 83 percent of consumers surveyed agree they always shop and eat at small businesses while traveling to support the local economy, and 82 percent say they look for destinations where they can immerse themselves in the local culture.

3. New Currency Emerging

Consumers are looking for new ways of spending on their trips with credits and vouchers, such as eCredits and travel vouchers. In fact, the four biggest U.S. airlines (American, United, Delta and Southwest) had $10 billion in unused travel credits on their books at the end of 2020, according to company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

4. Shift Towards Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

The consumer mindset has changed; they are being more purposeful about their purchase decisions, especially when it comes to travel. Amex Trendex research shows 50 percent of travelers say they have become more interested in responsible tourism and 87 percent want to have a positive impact on the community they are visiting

5. Growing Opportunity for Brands to Engage

As New Amex Trendex found that two in five consumers say they are not receiving enough information about the social and environmental impact of their travel, there is a strong opportunity for brands to directly engage with their customers and educate them. American Express Travel also found that consumers are willing to pay more to use travel and lifestyle brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility or to offset their carbon footprint, and they are looking to travel brands to highlight the positive impact that they are making while traveling.

6. Flexibility Is Key

With the future of travel uncertain because of fluctuating travel restrictions, it is important to have a Plan A, B and C and be willing to pivot as needed.

Source: American Express Travel