Tourism is picking up again: what are the trends?
Good news for the travel industry: data says global tourism is officially picking up again. It is estimated that by 2023, spending in the tourism sector will return to pre-pandemic levels, but with a different asset. Slow tourism, through caring for traditions and respecting the environment and time, will be the most sought-after form of travel.
Shorter trips and rediscovery of traditions: all the trends of the new tourism
Google searches underscore a great desire to return to travel, however, safely. In fact, according to Google Trends,“where to travel” and“can I travel” are the most typed formulas globally on search engines. The evolution of travel trends inevitably leads to a transformation in the needs and expectations of those who leave. This is why the need for the tourism industry to adapt to the new
travel trends 2021
, as early as now. How, then, does the concept of vacation change?
Home is always home: love for one’s homeland after the pandemic
Travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 outbreak have led people to
moving in a less wide radius
. This trend of traveling mostly within one’s own country is increasing, especially in Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The data also showed strong growth in online searches for ”things to do” as well as ”campsites” available in selected areas.
What does this online research tell us about travelers’ habits?
The emerging picture shows an increased desire to carry out activities and a need to rediscover nature. Therefore, it becomes very important to focus on local potential, promoting the opportunities that the area offers. Typical restaurants, cultural tours, traditional experiences: in such a scenario, local business has a decisive impact on many tourist destinations and becomes crucial to economic recovery.
Moving toward conscious tourism
Environmental sustainability is a trend that was already established in 2019. Although travel was below average in 2020, interest in nature has not declined and is expected to increase. Therefore, considering the ecological aspect of travel is nowadays decisive in providing tourists with anauthentic experience, stimulating aneducation in respect for the environment or organizing activities inclined to the cause. The Sandyassociation, a partner of Magna Sicilia, is an example thanks to the event it held this summer on the beach of Santa Maria del Focallo (RG) to raise awareness of environmental sustainability, enhance the area and practice sports.
Human relationships and life stories, what we look for in our experiences
At a time when one has been forced to remain at a distance from friends and loved ones, even for a long time, now the need to find oneself is strong. So, many trips set out with the goal first and foremost of meeting people with whom to spend precious moments. Then, with them, to visit new places or, at other times, simply take a break.
This trend of placing more value on connections has an important consequence for those working in the tourism industry. In fact, a good choice for professionals in the field is to move away from traditional themes and focus more on human relationships and shared experiences. Whether it is visits to archaeological sites or vineyards, days of sports and nature or evenings at typical restaurants. What is important is to create the right opportunity for people to meet again and have unique experiences.
The new trend to more intimate and secure settings, in line with anti-covid regulations
Last but not least, another increasingly present trend concerns the type of approach. Analysis shows that most tourists are very careful about maintaining anti-Covid security arrangements. But not only that, this was matched by a predilection toward more restricted and intimate settings. So, being able to reassure travelers and organizing events that gather a smaller number of people could be actions appreciated by tourists.
These are the trends that emerged from the analysis, regarding the travel industry. In one way or another, these are behaviors and attitudes aimed at building a more valuable experience. And it is important for those in charge to keep these developments in mind so that they can contribute to the restart, while also ensuring the satisfaction of tourists.
Between digitalization and tradition: how we are transforming tourism in Sicily in the face of new trends
Magna Sicilia is a slow tourism presidium, thus promoting slow tourism, a travel philosophy aimed at rediscovering oneself and the environment around.
Our network was created with the aim of enhancing local activities, respecting the territory, to allow travelers to experience a vacation in Sicily in perfect Sicilian style. From food and wine to culture, from sports to nightlife to vacation rentals, we carefully choose the partners who become part of our network, in order to foster the digitization of businesses, a local economic development and allow tourists to experience a “slow vacation,” according to the rhythms of the place.
For example, you may choose to try the traditional breakfast, consisting of warm sheep’s milk ricotta and wine. Or listen to a string concert in the middle of the vineyards during a local wine tasting.
The Magna Sicilia network places experiences at the center of travel and strives to value the simple things that are often the real pleasures in life.
Clarissa Marchese