Global Travel Leaders Say Confidence in a Full Travel Recovery in 2023 Has Increased
- A new survey of global travel industry experts, conducted by Collinson and CAPA - Centre for Aviation (CAPA), shows an increase in expectation of travel resumption to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, versus expectations from five months ago.
- The impact of travel on mental and physical wellbeing, as well as fears around fraudulent travel and testing documents, are expected to remain key traveller concerns.
- Business and long-haul travel to remain the slowest-recovering travel segments in 2022, while short-haul leisure travel sees the beginnings of a revival in certain locations.
- Optimism is subdued in the Asia Pacific region, as senior aviation and travel experts remain more cautious than their global counterparts.
As the travel ecosystem continues to adapt to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, a newly launched second edition of the 'Asia Pacific Travel Recovery Report' from Collinson, a global end-to-end travel experiences, airport services and travel medical company, and CAPA - Centre for Aviation (CAPA), showcases the latest travel industry recovery predictions - including traveller expectations - for the coming year and beyond.
The extensive survey of more than 400 C-Suite and senior managerial level travel industry experts from leading global travel brands reveals that while 37% of respondents are now expecting a 'full recovery' to 2019 pre-pandemic levels in 2023 - compared to 35% in the April 2021 survey - optimism that herd immunity would be reached in the US, UK and a few other developed countries has slipped from 33% to 24%. Additionally, concerns around quarantine and fraudulent Covid-19 test results remain a worry for respondents.
The survey was carried out in September 2021 by Collinson in partnership with CAPA - one of the world's most trusted sources of market intelligence for the aviation and travel industry - to continue the study of the industry's recovery and predict the new traveller experience.
Borders re-opening
Polarisation with regards to travel controls, testing and policies remains globally, with market requirements, protocols and measurements continuing to change over the course of the last few months.
That said, an increasing number of experts now expect border re-opening arrangements by governments to ease or substantially ease in 2022 (43%), whilst a third of global respondents (32%) still expect border reopening arrangements by governments to evolve at different rates in 2022. This is a significant reduction from the April 2021 survey of 56%, where uncertainty dominated.
Testing to remain, with quarantine phased out
Signalling confidence in testing protocols enabling a safer return to travel, over half (54% - an increase of 3% since April) expect robust Covid-19 testing to remain key to re-opening borders until the end of 2022, with a further 26% expecting this until the end of 2023. This mindset can be seen by the recent border re-openings in markets such as Singapore, Australia and the United States - all of which cite Covid-19 tests as core components for reduced quarantine or even quarantine-free travel.
That said, 74% of experts are concerned by reports of fraudulent Covid-19 test results and vaccination passports. Levels of those 'very concerned' are up from 38% in April 2021 to 41% in September 2021 and for 'mildly concerned' from 28% in April 2021 to 34% in September 2021.To address such concerns, Collinson is partnering with over 30 airlines, airports and technology providers globally both to help implement enhanced verification processes at key checkpoints in the journey, as well as make trusted, accredited Covid-19 testing more easily accessible to travellers.
Globally, just shy of a huge three quarters (72%) shared the view that traveller vaccine documentation is of 'vital importance', with most governments not risking re-opening borders without them. This is an increase of 5% when compared to the April study. Conversely, less than a fifth (18%) considered them 'not important', as some governments will allow access regardless of digital health documents.
Once a traveller has entered a country, they then face possible quarantine. Almost two-fifths of experts (38%) now expect quarantine measures will remain in place for the foreseeable future as an extra safety precaution in addition to vaccinations and testing, up from 23% in April 2021.
Conversely, a larger number of industry leaders remain hopeful regarding imminent action in this area. 42% believe quarantine measures will be phased out by the close of 2021, in line with vaccinations and testing measures becoming more widely available. However, the sentiment has evidently decreased when compared to 58% who were of the same belief back in April 2021.
The traveller's state of mind
A large proportion of experts believe that travel is 'extremely safe' if everyone adheres to preventative solutions (e.g. mask wearing, social distancing). But that said, the figure has dropped by a noticeable 17% (42% recorded in September; 59% in April), suggesting a dip in confidence despite the widespread vaccine rollout, and given the varied nuances as to what individuals may consider to be safe solutions.
Similarly, insiders considering travel as simply 'not safe' has doubled: from 4% in April 2021 to 10% in September 2021. This is indicative of the opportunity to reassure, educate and communicate to passengers how safety remains the utmost priority, particularly as more travellers take to the skies.
Unsurprisingly then, questions remain on whether travellers will be able to kick back and relax once their plans are booked. Unlikely, according to the survey, with three-quarters of experts (79%) opting to believe that travel will feel 'more stressful' than before the pandemic (up from 70% in April 2021).
The results show a likely increased desire to be 'away from the madding crowds' with fast-track accesses and lounge experiences preferred, for peace of mind. This is in line with Priority Pass's global drive to enhance lounge experiences for travellers; with the introduction of Be Relax Spas for the ultimate pre-flight relaxation, and contactless food and beverage offerings such as Ready 2 Order set to double its presence across the lounges for a seamless dining experience.
Slow reboot for business travel
While short-haul business and corporate travel has made a cautious comeback in certain markets, there's been little movement between the April 2021 and September 2021 surveys. In predicting travel in 2022, just over a third (35%) of respondents expect a 41-60% recovery to 2019 pre-pandemic levels of short-haul business travel, while 23% are more positive and expect to hit 61-80% of 2019 levels next year. Only 8% see 80%+ of 2019 levels next year - indicative of the tapestry of travel remaining in its 'new norm'.
In Asia Pacific specifically, just 24% see short-haul corporate travel recovering to more than 61% of 2019 levels next year - and 7% see demand reaching four-fifths of 2019 levels.
Long-haul business travel remains the furthest from reach. Recovery to 2019 levels is expected to take longer than any of the other segments, with respondents becoming less confident in the timescale of segment recovery, due to travel restrictions remaining imposed far longer than previously anticipated. According to 86% of respondents, less than two-thirds of the long-haul business/corporate travel market will be back next year. Whilst in Asia Pacific, just under a third (30%) of survey respondents believe that we won't even reach 20% of 2019 levels next year.
Speaking about the research, Todd Handcock, Asia Pacific President for Collinson said: "This ongoing research is critical to understanding industry sentiment, and in turn taking required actions to further support the safe, long-term return of global travel. Whilst travel recovery progress isn't happening at the pace we had hoped for, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, we are seeing steps in the right direction more generally, namely a reprioritisation of travelling safely, purposely and responsibly. For the next six to twelve months at the very least, it's clear that as an industry we need to continue to innovate, and better communicate advances to travellers. Tools and solutions that help travellers to navigate their way safely but efficiently, causing the least stress as possible, is a core focus.
"For business travel, at this moment in time, it's about understanding and evolving travel risk management strategies by engaging the right professional support, especially with the newly published ISO 31030 Standard - while for brands in the travel space, there's an increased importance being placed on loyalty programmes with regards to keeping brands front of travellers' minds - with 68% describing them as very or quite significant. An increase of 6% since April."
CAPA - Centre for Aviation Managing Director, Derek Sadubin, added: "It has been a privilege to yet again work with Collinson, a global leader in traveller experiences, to further evaluate how our audience of senior experts see the future travel landscape taking shape. The findings are both insightful, and in some cases surprising. Overall, we must come together as an industry and use these insights to help identify where attention is required to progress the return of global travel."
Download the full Asia Pacific Travel Recovery Report here.
About the Research
From 6 September 2021 to 30 September 2021, CAPA surveyed participants in its virtual monthly event series, CAPA Live, receiving 414 survey responses (n=414) from 68 countries. Respondents were a mix of C-Suite, executives and senior managers from airlines, airports and aviation suppliers. The aim of the report is to highlight key changes in comparison to the results captured in April 2021. Areas of focus include airline activity and recovery, ancillary revenue, border control, COVID-19 testing, traveller vaccine documentation, quarantine and traveller wellbeing
About Collinson
Collinson is a global leader in the provision of traveller experiences including airport lounge access and medical and security assistance and travel medical services. Collinson's traveller experiences include the world's leading airport lounge and experiences programme, Priority Pass, as well as travel insurance, identity assistance, flight delay, international health and travel risk management solutions.
The Collinson Group has over 2,000 employees operating out of 17 locations globally, all working to deliver a broad range of traveller experiences that ensure the safety, welfare and comfort of 55 million people as they travel for business and leisure around the world. Its travel medical and security assistance business unit has more than 55 years' experience in the delivery of international medical assistance and emergency care, including the handling of pandemics such as Ebola, Zika and the coronavirus. Last year alone, The Collinson Group responded to over 95,000 emergency calls, managed over 40,000 medical cases and conducted over 3,000 aero-medical evacuations across the 170 countries it serves. We work with clients including: American Express, Cathay Pacific, CBA, Mastercard, UnionPay and Visa.
About CAPA - Centre for Aviation
CAPA - Centre for Aviation (CAPA), part of Aviation Week Network, is the leading provider of independent aviation market intelligence, analysis and data services covering worldwide developments. Established in 1990, CAPA's platforms help the aviation sector and supplier businesses stay informed, remain connected to industry leaders and fuel inspiration to drive change. CAPA's global C-level and corporate travel in-person and virtual Summits and Masterclasses attract executive level speakers, attendees and leading stakeholders of the global commercial aviation industry. Understanding aviation markets is our great strength and passion, along with providing CAPA members, clients and partners with an unparalleled level of expertise and insight. For more information and details on membership and events, please visit centreforaviation.com.
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