New research, titled the “Travel Recovery Trend Report,” from Expedia Group and the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) revealed a positive outlook for the U.S. airline industry, with folks leaning towards domestic travel in the short-term while considering trips abroad for further out on the horizon. The data, which pulled statistics from Expedia Group’s air travel search data and ARC’s global airline sales data, revealed key insights into travelers’ plans for the holidays and beyond, top search destinations, search volume, search timeframes, and ticket price trends.
Here’s what they found:
Searches globally are growing. Monthly global search volumes continued to grow in Q2, increasing more than 70 percent quarter-over-quarter. The ongoing rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, expanded vaccine eligibility and production, and changes to travel restrictions around the world contributed to consecutive weeks of positive global search volume. In Q2, positive global search volume was seen during 11 of the 13 weeks in the quarter—a sharp contrast to the fluctuations seen throughout Q1 and 2020. In addition, search windows are lengthening. While more than half (55 percent) of global searches fell within the 0- to 21-day window in Q2, inquiries 22 to 90 days out accounted for more than one-third (35 percent) of all searches—up nearly 25 percent from the previous quarter.
To that same effect, domestic travel continues to be the preference but the global growth in searches for international destinations outpaced those for domestic destinations during multiple weeks in Q2. This, according to the report, suggests traveler confidence is rising, resulting in increased interest and planning for international travel. Expedia Group attributed this to broadening global vaccine distribution, growing green lists, and the easing of international travel restrictions in parts of the world. There’s also a shift in where consumers are traveling, swapping beach destinations for city stays.
Sustainability continues to play a big factor in decision-making. As travelers plan and embark on their next trip, many are considering environmentally and socially conscious considerations. Sustainability credentials, now more than ever, are affecting travelers’ choice of destination and other travel options, whether that’s reducing their carbon footprint or easing the burden of over-tourism in a travel hotspot. Other factors, according to Expedia Group guest review data from Q2 2021, included single-use plastics, recycling facilities, the availability of electric car charging points, the use of LED light bulbs and renewable energy. According to recent research from Expedia Group and Wakefield, titled “The Traveler Value Index,” nearly three in five travelers are willing to pay additional fees so that their trip can be more sustainable.
The Travel Recovery Trend Report also noted that more than ever before, consumers are seeking out brands—including suppliers and destinations—who represent and share their values. Travelers are looking for accommodations that have policies focused on diversity and inclusion. For instance, nearly two-thirds are likely to book a trip because of such a focus, like being owned by women or people of color, inclusive of specific groups such as LGBTQ+, or supporting people with disabilities.
Source: Expedia Group
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