Americans’ enthusiasm for travel appears to be decreasing this holiday season after rising steadily for a year and a half. Financial difficulties and frequently publicized problems with aircraft delays and cancellations have more individuals choosing to stay at home as pandemic concerns diminish. Between Thanksgiving and mid-January, fewer people plan to travel, down 26% from the previous year.
A little less than one-third of Americans, who will make an average of two trips, intend to travel over the holidays. The need to re-establish relationships with loved ones is cited as being the most crucial among travelers. Additionally, travel expenditures are solid since a significant share of Americans with higher incomes are traveling this season.
Intention to travel abroad has increased dramatically. Since fewer people are worried about their health and most places have removed COVID-19 travel restrictions, 17% more people will be flying this holiday season than in 2021 (10%). However, the high cost of travel as well as worries about delays and cancellations may continue to depress demand.
In-depth information on emerging travel patterns is also revealed in this second iteration of Deloitte’s holiday travel survey. Young tourists are still in charge of the group. Boomers, who had started to rejoin the group, are now hesitant once more.
And last, the number of days that many Americans spend away from home is growing because to flexible employment arrangements, which continue to be a boon to travel. Due to the flexibility to work remotely, travelers are generally adding an average of six days of travel during the season.
The best chances for the travel industry likely lay in making the most of catering to those who do decide to go, as it gears up for a weaker holiday season in 2022. Airlines and hotels should strive to reestablish trust and excellent service standards with the public they aim to draw back in greater numbers in the upcoming year as passengers look to reconnect with family and friends.
