Travel in 2021: Open season? Trends for a post-Covid planet

India is expected to be on many bucket lists for 2021 travel.

People will invest in privacy and space, with more bookings for larger suites and private villas. Erin Johnson, marketing director for Sovereign Luxury Travel, said: “This gives customers access to hotel facilities, but means family bubbles can be together in their own space.”

After months of unpredictability, it’s hard to imagine how holidays might look in the year ahead.

And, with a vaccine roll-out already in full flow, holiday firms will be looking to resume their short breaks and long-haul getaways in 2021.

Of course, like everything post-pandemic, travel will look a little different. But, already, consumer demands are creating new trends.

Here, key players in the travel business share their thoughts…

Smooth cruising?

“As a luxury river cruise company where a good number of guests are an average 60-plus, we’re confident the vaccine roll-out means 2021 won’t be too dissimilar from a ‘normal’ season,” says Chris Townson, managing director of UK & Ireland for Uniworld.

“Most Brits in our typical demographic will have received the vaccine by late spring and, once they do, there’ll be no stopping them! Our booking patterns reflect that optimism, and our sailings across Europe for mid to late 2021 are filling up nicely – in particular, our Ganges cruise with the Golden Triangle in India.”

Go glamping

“Glamping was one of the biggest success stories for the domestic tourist industry in 2020,” says Mike Bevens, managing director of Canopy & Stars. “Our bookings for 2021 are already significantly higher than last year. Last year, we saw summer holiday bookings treble in the days immediately following the Prime Minister’s announcement restrictions would be eased, so guests would be wise to book ahead of the post-lockdown rush.”

Think ahead

“January has always been a popular time to book, as there are so many good savings,” says Derek Jones, CEO of Kuoni, “but this year it’s advisable to book early to guarantee you’ll get away to the spot you want. Demand will flood back after this latest set of restrictions.

“Flexibility will continue to be a theme as uncertainty around travel continues. “A move to trusted brands, with real people to help fix things if anything changes before or during the holiday, is going to be important.”

Time to shine

“Travel will become more meaningful again, with each trip offering the traveller an opportunity for consideration and depth of experience,” says Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, responsible for a new cultural site in Saudi Arabia.

“Places previously considered ‘once in a lifetime’ will move higher up consumers’ lists.

“We will see more far-flung, adventurous trips in 2021, with the sentiment being there is no time like the present. Emerging destinations that are off the beaten track and less well known, such as Saudi Arabia, will benefit from this.”

Hobby holidays

“People have been prevented not only from travelling, due to Covid, but also from pursuing many activities,” says Phil North, manager at Dive Worldwide.

“Our research indicates many people have used the time to take stock, and will be keener than ever to enjoy activities – such as scuba diving – in 2021.

“We believe small groups may prove popular also, providing camaraderie within a small bubble, and have introduced small-group adventures to the Red Sea, the Maldives and Indonesia.”

Amazing Africa

“Our guests are looking for places offering wide open spaces and lend themselves to physical distancing, or the novelty of exploring a new destination,” says Geoffrey Kent, founder of luxury operator Abercrombie & Kent. “This is Africa’s moment. Safaris are a natural fit, featuring small boutique camps with plenty of space and privacy.

“Plus, tourism plays an important role in protecting endangered wildlife – keeping poachers at bay and bringing much-needed funding to local conservation projects.”