The UK chapter of Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) has identified a series of trends likely to shape travel to the region in 2021 and beyond.
Chris Crampton, chairman of Pata UK & Ireland chapter, said: “As the world slowly recovers from Covid-19 and borders gradually start to open, we expect travel to look a little different than it did pre- pandemic.
“2021 will most likely be a rollercoaster for us all but what we do know is there are plenty of exciting developments in the region to look forward to.”
Families who have been unable to see each other during the pandemic are likely to want to spend more time together and this could drive bookings of multigenerational trips as the crisis eases.
Operators to the region also predict a rapid growth in “slow travel” and single-centre holidays to the Far East instead of the traditional approach of visiting several countries in one trip.
Matt Brazier, head of marketing at Experience Travel Group, said: “Travel itineraries are going to slow down – they’ll be single destination-focused trips.
“Clients are requesting to spend more time in each place they go and really want to have time for themselves, while getting under the skin of the destination.”
The trend for staying within one destination may be boosted by countries operating different Covid entry requirements and regimes, which could make cross-border trips less attractive to tourists in the short-term.
The Pacific Asia region is also set to capitalise on consumers wanting to go on more sustainable holidays with tourist offices featuring these eco-friendly options in their marketing and new carbon-neutral resorts opening in key destinations.
Other trends identified by Pata include growing demand from travellers for “more authentic and local experiences”, wellness holidays and destination weddings and honeymoons.
There will also inevitably be a focus on health and safety, with destinations in the Pacific Asia region implementing government-led Covid protocols and programmes to ensure the safety of travellers.
