BOOKING.COM REVEALS ITS PREDICTIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL - SMARTER, KINDER, SAFER
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SMARTER, KINDER, SAFER: BOOKING.COM REVEALS ITS PREDICTIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL
INTRODUCTION
2
With few facets of our lives and world unchanged by the
unparalleled impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,
travel too will be forever re-shaped by this extraordinary
moment in time.
This report provides unparalleled
new insights, data and research
from a global study conducted by
Booking.com into the Future of Travel.
20,000 travelers
The research spans 20,000 travelers
across 28 countries, combined with
proprietary search and endorsement
data, to uncover the trends that will
shape the way we experience travel
in the year ahead, and beyond –
predicting the unpredictable during
these uncertain times within the
Across 28 countries
travel industry.
3
ARJAN DIJK
Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Booking.com
“
2020 has been a year like no other and while it will be some time
before travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, all signs point to the
fundamental and enduring role that travel plays in all our lives. It
continues to bring moments of joy and inspiration to people across
the globe during times of uncertainty, whether through dreaming and
planning, or cherishing the trips we have been able to take.
Enhancing our understanding of one another and our common
desire to explore beyond the horizon, I believe that travel has a
unique potential to come back stronger than ever in the years ahead
as a primary driver of growth, equality and prosperity for people
everywhere. In the meantime, with our mission to make it easier for
everyone to experience the world, we will be there for our customers
offering the widest choice, great value and the easiest experience
“
from anywhere and on any device so travelers can enjoy all of the
unforgettable experiences this world has to offer.
4
BOOKING.COM’S PREDICTIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL
With over half (53%) of global
travelers responding that they won’t
be comfortable traveling until a
Coronavirus vaccine or treatment is
in place, it may be a long time before
we experience the world as freely as we
did previously, but innovation within the FAMILARISTS
travel industry will accelerate faster than WANDERMUST VITAL VALUE NOT TOURISTS
ever to respond to marked shifts in travel
expectations and behaviors.
Travelers will look for a heightened level of travel
safety and more sustainable travel offerings, as
well as evolve their preferences for where and
with whom they travel. Newfound appreciation
for doorstep delights will endure alongside an SEARCH SAFETY IMPACT
abiding love of the far flung, and travelers will
find new ways to blur the lines between work ESCAPISM CLEANS UP AWAKENING
and travel. All of which will catapult a demand for
deeper value from the trips we book in the future.
SIMPLE
BYE BYE 9 TO 5 PLEASURES SPONTECHNAITY
5
#1
Our time at home has made us crave
the world outside more than ever.
of travelers have a heightened
53 % desire to see even more of the
WANDERMUST
world.
Argentina: 61%
Australia: 45%
Brazil: 65%
Canada: 46%
China: 69%
Colombia: 74%
Germany: 62%
Amidst new waves of travel Denmark: 46%
hiatuses, restrictions and 65% are excited about traveling again
Spain:
France: 45%
53%
continued uncertainty, our after lockdowns Hong Kong: 80%
innate human desire to travel Croatia:
Israel:
46%
41%
has not been dampened. will plan a trip to make up for India: 65%
38%
Italy: 60%
a celebration missed due to Japan: 26%
Travelers also report that they plan Coronavirus South Korea: 36%
Mexico: 66%
to take a similar number of trips both Netherlands: 26%
domestically and internationally in the New Zealand: 40%
Russia: 48%
12 months after travel restrictions are Sweden: 47%
lifted in their country as they did in Singapore: 53%
the year pre-pandemic (March 2019 - Thailand: 65%
Taiwan: 64%
March 2020). UK: 47%
USA: 51%
Vietnam: 56%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
6
#1 WANDERMUST
61% will not take traveling for
granted in the future
Argentina: 31%
Australia:
40%
71%
intend to rebook a trip they had to Brazil: 86%
cancel due to Coronavirus Canada: 75%
China: 46%
Colombia: 43%
Germany: 60%
Denmark: 59%
Spain: 63%
France: 65%
want to travel more in the future
42%
Hong Kong: 64%
to make up for time lost in 2020, Croatia: 63%
rising up to 51% of Gen Z and 49% Israel: 68%
India: 63%
of millennials Italy: 58%
Japan: 61%
South Korea: 50%
Mexico: 41%
Netherlands: 45%
New Zealand: 72%
We can expect travel companies to get Russia: 40%
Sweden: 68%
creative in 2021 with new itineraries and Singapore: 76%
recommendations designed to capture Thailand: 77%
47%
the imaginations of travelers who missed Taiwan:
UK: 75%
out on trips in 2020 and will be looking for USA: 74%
somewhere stunning to explore to make Vietnam: 57%
their next trip more meaningful. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
7
#2
expect travel companies to
68% support travelers’ future travel
VITAL VALUE
plans via promotions
Argentina: 82%
Australia: 62%
Brazil: 82%
Canada: 67%
China: 73%
Colombia: 85%
Germany: 48%
Denmark: 43%
The financial legacy 62% of travelers will be more price conscious Spain:
France: 63%
72%
of Coronavirus will when it comes to searching and planning a trip and Hong Kong: 74%
inevitably see people 55% are more likely to hunt down promotions and Croatia: 70%
Israel:
savings, behaviors that are predicted to last years. 76%
demand more bang for India: 74%
their buck in the future. And while travelers are keen to support the industry
Italy:
Japan: 55%
71%
South Korea: 64%
in its recovery (70%) and want their future bookings to Mexico: 82%
help rebuild communities around the world (67%), they Netherlands: 42%
will expect a lot more value beyond the price tag from New Zealand: 63%
Russia: 82%
the travel industry in return, such as: Sweden: 48%
Singapore: 70%
Thailand: 85%
74% want travel booking platforms to increase
Taiwan:
UK: 62%
75%
USA: 63%
their transparency about cancellation policies, Vietnam: 77%
refund processes and trip insurance options 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
8
#2 VITAL VALUE
prefer a discounted trip to
40% a place they wouldn’t have
otherwise chosen than paying
74%
think airlines need to offer
more flexible tickets more for a dream destination
Argentina: 38%
Australia: 44%
prefer the certainty of a trip they
53%
Brazil: 46%
Canada:
could afford in the short-term 43%
China: 35%
rather than saving for a dream trip Colombia: 46%
in the future with more uncertainty Germany: 29%
Denmark: 21%
46%
Spain: 42%
prefer refundable accommodation, France: 46%
this number rises to 48% for Gen X Hong Kong: 30%
Croatia: 48%
Israel: 36%
India: 57%
38% will make booking decisions
based on cost
Italy:
Japan:
South Korea:
37%
36%
45%
Mexico: 36%
Netherlands: 22%
36%
New Zealand: 43%
want the flexibility to cancel Russia: 40%
without being charged Sweden: 31%
Singapore: 47%
Thailand: 58%
Taiwan: 21%
UK: 35%
USA: 47%
Vietnam: 55%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
9
#3
FAMILARISTS 58%
are eager to travel to nearby
regions/countries that are
NOT TOURISTS
accessible by car
Argentina: 59%
Australia: 61%
Brazil: 58%
Canada: 62%
China: 55%
Colombia: 67%
Germany: 56%
Denmark: 47%
As travelers navigate a new Looking ahead, staying closer to home and Spain: 64%
Coronavirus world, local travel becoming familiarists rather than tourists will France: 61%
has risen to the forefront as it continue to retain its importance on travel Hong Kong: 39%
Croatia: 71%
agendas. 47% of people still plan to travel
remains easier, safer and often Israel: 52%
within their own country in the medium India: 66%
more sustainable. term (7-12 months-time), with 38% Italy: 59%
Japan: 55%
planning to do so in the longer term (over South Korea: 58%
24%
a year’s time). Mexico: 67%
Netherlands: 57%
New Zealand: 61%
When it comes to local travel, 43% plan to Russia: 54%
are interested in seeking out hidden explore a new destination within their Sweden: 48%
Singapore:
gems (e.g. new restaurants) to tell their home region/country and 46% will take Thailand:
44%
73%
local friends and family about, when the time to appreciate the natural beauty Taiwan: 59%
travelling locally of their home country, while locally or not, UK: 47%
USA: 60%
half (50%) intend to travel somewhere they’ve Vietnam: 43%
already been previously for its familiarity. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
10
#3 FAMILARISTS
NOT TOURISTS
intend to travel somewhere
Doorstep delights offer both cost and
time savings to which destinations and 50% they’ve already been
previously for its familiarity.
accommodations will respond by offering
more historic and cultural heritage tours 56%
Argentina:
to educate and entertain visitors, as well Australia: 51%
as vying for tourists’ affections through Brazil: 63%
Canada: 56%
original offerings such as guest chefs and 48%
China:
bespoke cocktails. Colombia: 70%
Germany: 50%
Denmark: 35%
Spain: 49%
France: 47%
Hong Kong: 46%
With use of Booking.com’s ‘pet-friendly’ filter Croatia: 57%
Israel: 30%
more than doubling since the start of travel India: 57%
restrictions**, new and furrier breeds of Italy: 42%
travelers will also increasingly need catering Japan: 37%
South Korea: 32%
for as we look ahead. Mexico: 63%
Netherlands: 34%
New Zealand:
All this in turn will fuel a Renaissance of 51%
Russia: 58%
road trips to explore forgotten local gems, Sweden: 45%
a renewed passion to support local business Singapore: 50%
Thailand: 59%
and communities as they seek to rebuild
21%
intend to travel to the other side Taiwan: 44%
and inspire a newfound sense of pride in the UK:
of the world by the end of 2021, 49%
history and beauty that’s just around USA: 57%
compared to only 6% by the end Vietnam: 54%
the corner.
of 2020. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 7011
#4
of global travelers were looking
38% at potential travel destinations
as often as once a week.
SEARCH
Argentina: 36%
Australia: 34%
Brazil: 47%
Canada: 27%
China: 40%
ESCAPISM
Colombia: 44%
Germany: 25%
Denmark: 24%
Spain: 33%
France: 36%
Hong Kong: 30%
Croatia: 37%
Israel: 20%
India: 56%
Our appetite to consume travel content, get creative with our travel Italy: 53%
plans and share our travel dreams with each other will continue to grow Japan:
South Korea:
31%
37%
exponentially over the coming year. Mexico: 43%
Netherlands: 25%
New Zealand: 34%
Seeking comfort and distraction during Russia: 37%
weeks in lock-down, the overwhelming Sweden: 20%
Singapore: 32%
majority (95%) of travelers spent time Thailand: 68%
looking for vacation inspiration when Taiwan: 31%
the pandemic hit. UK: 32%
USA: 38%
Vietnam: 61%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 7012
#4 SEARCH ESCAPISM
This is where travelers found their vacation inspiration:
51% searching online 36% talking to friends and family
16%
44%
Argentina:
51%
on celebrity and influencer
Australia:
Brazil: 46% social media channels
Canada: 50%
China: 52%
Colombia: 42%
Germany:
Denmark:
Spain:
46%
53%
48%
32% flicking through old photos
from previous vacations
France: 40%
Hong Kong: 59%
Croatia: 56%
Israel: 33%
India: 64% While we will see heightened mindfulness
61%
Italy:
about how, where and when we share our
Japan: 48%
South Korea: 64% traveling experiences in a more restricted
Mexico: 38% and evolving environment, the benefits we
Netherlands: 45%
New Zealand: 50%
derive from exchanging stories, when it’s
Russia: 62% been safe to travel, will fuel new trends in
Sweden: 50% sharing and connecting across social media
Singapore: 51%
Thailand: 39%
feeds. Think fab new takes on vintage vacay
Taiwan: 66% pics and seamless, innovative ways for
UK: 48% travelers to share tips for their entire trips
USA: 49%
Vietnam: 57%
with interactive, shareable itineraries for their
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 friends and families.13
#5 50% would consider a car rental for
getting around a destination to
avoid public transit
SAFETY 67%
will accept traveling to
destinations that have health
CLEANS UP
spot checks on arrival
Argentina: 76%
Australia: 62%
Brazil: 79%
Canada: 65%
China: 77%
Colombia: 85%
Germany: 47%
Denmark: 48%
Global travelers (79%) will In general, women will be more cautious when it Spain: 71%
France:
take more precautions due comes to health and safety standards than men 66%
Hong Kong: 77%
to Coronavirus and will (83% vs 75%). Governments, travel associations Croatia: 50%
and providers will have to work cohesively to set Israel: 81%
look to the travel industry India: 78%
consistent standards to help keep travelers safe, and
to help them gear up for with expectations heightened, some destinations
Italy: 64%
Japan: 53%
this new normal. and businesses will need to work harder to regain South Korea: 59%
Mexico: 83%
travelers’ trust. Netherlands: 50%
New Zealand: 58%
Short-term there will also be a change in transport Russia: 69%
Sweden: 44%
preference and provisions, with almost half (46%) Singapore: 69%
opting to avoid public transport for fear of Thailand: 86%
contracting Coronavirus. This will cause a longer- Taiwan: 79%
UK: 63%
term shift in how people will travel to and around their USA: 63%
vacation destinations, with more people choosing to Vietnam: 77%
rent or drive their own car. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 9014
#5 SAFETY 27% Quarantine measures will remain less
CLEANS UP
popular with far fewer travelers willing
to accept these in order to travel to a
particular destination.
Just as we have become accustomed
to traveling without liquids in our carry- will book a particular
on luggage and removing shoes to go
through airport security, the ‘new normal’
70% accommodation if it’s clear
what health and hygiene
will also see travelers prioritize and adhere policies it has in place
to increased health and safety measures, Argentina: 73%
with many becoming second nature sooner Australia: 65%
than we think, including: Brazil: 81%
Canada: 76%
China: 76%
Colombia: 79%
Germany: 51%
75%
Denmark: 41%
will favor accommodations that have Spain: 78%
antibacterial and sanitizing products France: 64%
Hong Kong: 74%
Croatia: 67%
Israel: 73%
70%
India: 77%
expect tourist attractions to adapt to Italy: 72%
allow for social distancing Japan: 62%
South Korea: 73%
Mexico: 85%
Netherlands: 52%
62%
New Zealand: 65%
will accept wearing a mask in public. Russia: 71%
Sweden: 44%
Singapore: 73%
Thailand: 86%
of travelers will avoid certain Taiwan: 77%
59%
UK: 68%
destinations, rising to 67%* for USA: 68%
baby boomers Vietnam: 75%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 10015
#6
55%
will want to see how their money is going
back into the local community, 46% would be
encouraged to make more sustainable travel
choices if there are attractive off-season travel
packages offerings
IMPACT 53%
of global travelers are
wanting to travel more
AWAKENING
sustainably in the future
Argentina: 49%
Australia: 41%
Brazil: 71%
Canada: 42%
China: 67%
Colombia: 74%
Germany: 38%
Denmark: 32%
With over half (53%) of More than two-thirds (69%) expect the travel industry Spain: 57%
global travelers wanting to to offer more sustainable travel options and travelers France: 47%
Hong Kong: 66%
will consequently visit alternative destinations in a
travel more sustainably in bid to avoid traveling during peak season (51%) and
Croatia: 49%
Israel: 55%
the future as Coronavirus has overcrowding (48%). India: 70%
opened their eyes to humans’ Italy:
Japan: 30%
60%
impact on the environment, This desire also means that 63% will stay away South Korea: 52%
expect to see a more from crowded tourist attractions, indicating that Mexico: 65%
Netherlands: 27%
eco-conscious mindset in destinations will need to adapt new, smart crowd New Zealand: 43%
management measures to appease travelers visiting Russia: 60%
2021 and beyond. their country. Sweden: 41%
Singapore: 47%
Thailand: 68%
Additionally, the impact of Coronavirus has inspired Taiwan: 60%
people to not just be committed to protecting UK: 44%
USA: 44%
themselves, but also the places they visit. Vietnam: 59%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 8016
#6 IMPACT AWAKENING
Travelers’ expectations for will want their travel choices
sustainable travel in the future
67% to support the destination’s
recovery efforts
state that they’d like an economic
38% incentive (e.g. tax breaks) for travelers
who opt for an eco-friendly trip in the Argentina:
Australia: 68%
75%
future Brazil: 82%
Canada: 60%
want online travel booking sites giving China: 73%
35% reward points for making sustainable
choices to use for free extra perks and
Colombia:
Germany:
Denmark:
58%
53%
83%
discounts. Spain: 75%
France: 58%
are looking to online travel booking Hong Kong: 73%
29%
Croatia:
sites to use clearer signposting so they 67%
Israel: 67%
can easily identify when something is India: 75%
(not) sustainable. Italy: 74%
Japan: 66%
expect travel companies to offer tips South Korea: 63%
28%
Mexico: 84%
on how to be more sustainable while Netherlands: 45%
traveling New Zealand: 63%
Russia: 44%
Sweden: 59%
Singapore: 65%
Thailand: 84%
Taiwan: 65%
believe that the industry must adapt consider reducing waste
46% 53%
UK: 66%
to this sustainable mindset for the and/or recycling their plastic USA: 60%
Vietnam:
long-term by offering more attractive when traveling once all travel 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
73%
70 80 90
off-season travel packages restrictions are lifted17
#7 52%
would take the opportunity to
extend any business trips to
also enjoy leisure time at the
destination
of travelers have already
37% considered booking
somewhere to stay in order
to work from a different
BYE BYE 9 TO 5
destination
Argentina: 48%
Australia: 34%
Brazil: 53%
Canada: 33%
China: 45%
Colombia: 53%
Germany: 15%
Denmark: 18%
Working remotely has irreversibly No longer confined to five days a week Spain: 33%
France: 19%
entered the mainstream during in an office and desperate for a change Hong Kong: 39%
the pandemic with the knock-on of scene from Working From Home Croatia: 28%
Israel: 15%
(WFH), we’ll see a significant rise in the
effect that people will look to take India: 68%
“Workcation”, with travelers looking to 36%
longer trips in the future that more extend their vacation experience in new
Italy:
Japan: 20%
effectively combine work and locales by staying an extra week or two South Korea: 35%
54%
pleasure than ever before. to work remotely - or factoring holiday
Mexico:
Netherlands: 18%
around a stint of remote working. Expect New Zealand: 32%
43%
Russia:
laptops to become even more of a mainstay Sweden: 14%
in luggage than ever before, and an Singapore: 50%
60%
attractive spot on which to rest them a Thailand:
36%
Taiwan:
must-have when choosing where to stay. UK: 29%
USA: 42%
Vietnam: 52%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 8018
#7 BYE BYE 9 TO 5
40%
agree that due to the increase in would be willing to quarantine
59% working from home and reliance on
technology, business travel will be
if they could work remotely
considered less essential than before
Argentina: 36%
Australia: 43%
Brazil: 43%
of travelers have already considered Canada: 43%
37%
China:
booking somewhere to stay in order Colombia:
54%
42%
to work from a different destination Germany: 16%
Denmark: 27%
Spain: 28%
France: 26%
Hong Kong: 50%
Croatia: 51%
Israel:
Travel platforms and places to stay will India:
32%
63%
prioritise showcasing home office facilities Italy: 29%
and Wi-Fi speed in an attempt to attract this Japan: 39%
South Korea: 45%
new wave of digital nomads. Likewise, the Mexico: 36%
world of corporate travel will see increasing Netherlands: 22%
demand for privacy, cleanliness and longer New Zealand: 44%
Russia: 36%
stays among those traveling for business, Sweden: 28%
requiring alternative accommodations to Singapore: 40%
seriously up their ‘work-friendly’ game. Thailand: 69%
Taiwan: 51%
While companies will undoubtedly reassess UK: 37%
their approach to business travel in the USA: 44%
Vietnam: 57%
future, workers will continue to maximise 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
the trips they do take.19
#8
SIMPLE 69%
of global travelers will look
to appreciate more simple
PLEASURES
experiences
Argentina: 73%
Australia: 67%
Brazil: 76%
Canada: 73%
China: 76%
Colombia: 82%
Germany: 64%
Denmark: 57%
As we learn to live with Globally, the use of simple pleasure-related Spain: 72%
the consequences of the endorsements such as hiking (94%), clean air (50%), France: 70%
Hong Kong: 61%
nature (44%) and relaxation (33%) on Booking.com
pandemic in 2021 and Croatia: 71%
has increased since the start of the pandemic***, over Israel: 65%
beyond, travelers will be two thirds of travelers (69%) will look to appreciate India: 75%
keen to embrace a new more simple experiences such as spending time
Italy:
Japan:
66%
52%
and stripped-back way of outdoors or with the family while on vacation, and South Korea: 63%
experiencing the world. So over half (56%) will seek out more rural, off-the- Mexico:
Netherlands: 62%
80%
much time spent in our own beaten-track experiences to immerse themselves New Zealand: 66%
into the outdoors. Russia:
homes with our loved ones Sweden:
56%
57%
has given birth to adjusted Singapore: 71%
Thailand: 85%
travel priorities and a desire Considering the renewed emphasis on privacy, Taiwan: 75%
to enjoy more of our natural sufficient space and personal control over cleanliness UK: 71%
and hygiene, it is not surprising that we will see USA: 73%
resources. travelers look for accommodation ‘closer to home’. Vietnam: 73%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 9020
#8 SIMPLE PLEASURES
say a relaxing trip is their preferred over half will seek out more
51% type of trip, followed by beach
breaks (40%) and city trips (29%)
56% rural, off-the-beaten-track
experiences to immerse
themselves into the outdoors
Argentina: 52%
will opt to eat in more as opposed Australia:
46%
55%
to eating out at restaurants, so Brazil: 56%
Canada: 57%
a well-equipped kitchen will be China: 70%
essential for any vacation rental in Colombia: 66%
the future Germany: 46%
Denmark: 47%
Spain: 63%
France: 57%
prefer to stay in a vacation home or
42%
Hong Kong: 61%
apartment rather than in a hotel. A Croatia: 42%
contrast to 2019 when 64%**** of Israel: 52%
India: 68%
travelers favored staying in a hotel Italy: 47%
Japan: 41%
South Korea: 61%
Mexico: 64%
Netherlands: 44%
New Zealand: 47%
Russia: 46%
Sweden: 44%
Singapore: 55%
Thailand: 80%
Taiwan: 64%
UK: 54%
USA: 61%
Vietnam: 63%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 9021
#9
of travelers agree that
64% technology will be important
SPONTECHNAITY
in controlling health risks when
traveling
Argentina: 67%
Australia: 63%
Brazil: 71%
Canada: 67%
China: 71%
Colombia: 68%
Germany: 43%
Denmark: 53%
Tech innovation will play a crucial role in rebuilding traveler Spain: 67%
confidence and we will see the accelerated use of tech to adapt France:
Hong Kong:
55%
62%
to a new type of traveler. Croatia: 67%
Israel: 62%
India: 79%
Italy: 64%
Tech will help us regain the spontaneity, are excited about tech’s potential
55%
Japan: 57%
confidence and ease of times past while to further personalize their travel South Korea: 66%
at the same time help people travel experiences in the future Mexico: 66%
Netherlands: 47%
safely and responsibly. New Zealand: 61%
will want tech options to make last-
53%
Russia: 71%
Sweden:
minute reservations (56% of women 51%
Singapore: 72%
agree with this statement vs 50% of men) Thailand: 81%
Taiwan: 69%
UK:
say that accommodations will need to 64%
63% use the latest technologies to make
USA:
Vietnam:
65%
71%
travelers feel safe 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 8022
#9 SPONTECHNAITY
This reliance on technology will only
continue to grow as tech proves its worth
and becomes more and more ingrained
into our travel experiences. believe innovation in travel
The innovations we’ll see next will bring
65% technology will speed up as a
result of the global pandemic
even more change, with enhanced online
experiences influencing future travel
behavior and planning: Argentina: 72%
Australia: 59%
Brazil: 76%
Canada: 65%
China: 72%
Over a third would feel more Colombia: 74%
36% comfortable about going to an
unknown destination if they could
Germany:
Denmark:
Spain:
56%
51%
71%
scout it out beforehand by using France: 55%
virtual reality (VR). Hong Kong: 63%
Croatia: 66%
Israel:
That being said, the real thing India:
75%
30%
77%
reigns supreme with only 30% Italy: 63%
expecting to participate in more Japan: 55%
South Korea: 59%
virtual/online experiences run by Mexico: 73%
tourist attractions, local tours and Netherlands: 55%
workshops, proving that while we New Zealand: 59%
Russia: 64%
trust technology implicitly to bring us Sweden: 55%
more convenience, personalization Singapore: 73%
and peace of mind, its prime role Thailand: 81%
Taiwan: 70%
resides in being a conduit for, rather UK: 59%
than a replacement (yet), for seeing it, USA: 57%
feeling it and tasting it for yourself. Vietnam: 69%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 9023
#1
Solace in Solo
The solo travel trend is likely to gather even greater momentum as people’s
The global pandemic thirst to travel that was stymied by the pandemic will nudge them to take the
turned travelers’ plans plunge to travel on their own in the coming year. Booking.com data pre-
pandemic saw 17%**** planning a trip on their own, while 30%* now say
upside down in 2020, they will be planning a solo trip in the future.
changing not just our choice
of destination but also the
type of trips we’re most
#2
Relaxury
likely to take in the coming The unexpected halt to travel plans for many travelers has meant that now,
year. The five emerging trip just being able to get away and relax is a luxury. Whilst research shows that
travelers still have a high intention to travel again, only 13%* are now
types of 2021 include: planning an all-out luxury experience, with the majority (51%)* rather
simply planning a relaxing trip to get away from it all.
#3
Breakaway Bubbles
In 2020, most travelers have had extended time apart from friends and family,
and for many it appears distance has made the heart grow fonder as 61%* of
travelers will use travel as an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones.
In fact, whilst we have all been apart, 36%* of travelers have revealed
FIVE
that talking to friends and family about travel recommendations is one of
their main inspirations to travel again – perhaps to take a trip down memory
lane and revisit a family favourite destination.
#4
EMERGING
Weekend Wonders
With many travelers feeling apprehensive that future travel plans could be
disrupted again, there will be an increased demand for a quick trip as over
half of travelers (53%*) want to take more shorter breaks than they did
in 2019 to minimise any disappointment. A further 28%* also revealed
TRIP TYPES
their preference of a weekend break for their next trip, showing travelers
desires to be able to escape reality, even for just a few days.
Food for Thought
#5
FOR 2021
Travelers’ desire to explore the world has not diminished but traveling
abroad is still being avoided by a majority of travelers (53%*) once travel
restrictions are lifted. That is why local travel is the new way of exploring
the world, with culinary delights being top of the list. And with taste buds at
the ready, 36%* of travelers are keen to taste and indulge in local cuisine
while traveling, with 38%* wanting to eat out more often with the money
saved from not traveling abroad.METHODOLOGY
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted
among a sample of adults who have traveled for business or
leisure in the past 12 months and must be planning to travel in
the next 12 months (if/once travel restrictions are lifted). In total
20,934 respondents across 28 countries were polled (including
from 999 USA, 496 from Canada, 497 from Mexico, 997 from
Colombia, 999 from Brazil, 499 from Argentina, 995 from
Australia, 499 from New Zealand, 999 from Spain, 996 from
Italy, 996 from France, 999 from UK, 996 from Germany, 498
from Netherlands, 499 from Denmark, 499 from Sweden, 498
from Croatia, 1001 from Russia, 498 from Israel, 997 from India,
994 from China, 499 from Hong Kong, 497 from Thailand, 496
from Singapore, 499 from Taiwan, 997 from South Korea, 500
from Vietnam and 995 from Japan). Respondents completed an About Booking.com:
online survey in July 2020. Founded in 1996 in Amsterdam, Booking.com has grown from
a small Dutch startup to one of the world’s leading digital
**Based on the share of filter users who used the “pet friendly” travel companies. Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:
filter, comparing the average use of the filter across 2019. BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone
to experience the world. By investing in the technology that
***Based on endorsements left on Booking.com as part of helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com seamlessly
post-stay reviews. Insight based on endorsements that saw connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences, a
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endorsements between January 2019 and February 2020. largest travel marketplaces for both established brands and
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data and insights,
****Research commissioned by Booking.com and all over the world to reach a global audience and grow their
please visit our global
independently conducted among a sample of 50,688 businesses. Booking.com is available in 44 languages and
media room.
respondents across 29 markets. In order to participate in this offers more than 28 million total reported accommodation
survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to listings, including more than 6.7 million listings alone of homes,
have travelled at least once in the past 12 months and be either apartments and other unique places to stay. No matter where
the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making you want to go or what you want to do, Booking.com makes it
of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in easy and backs it all up with 24/7 customer support.
November 2019.You can also read
