Veliki novi WTTC report, “A world in motion: shifting consumer travel trends in 2022 and beyond,” revealed that there is a heightened appetite for sustainable tourism among consumers, with 69% of travelers actively seeking sustainable travel options.
According to a survey included in the report, three-quarters of travelers are considering traveling more sustainably in the future and nearly 60% have chosen more sustainable travel options in the last couple of years. Another survey also found that around three-quarters of high-end travelers are willing to pay extra to make their trips more sustainable.
Last year, following more than two years of travel disruption, travelers made clear their wanderlust is very much alive, with a 109% increase of international overnight arrivals, compared to 2021.
According to the report, last year consumers were willing to stretch their budget for their holiday plans, with 86% of travelers planning on spending the same amount or more on international travel than in 20193, with US tourists leading the list as big spenders.
But 2023 is looking even better in terms of travelers’ spend. Despite concerns about inflation and the cost-of-living crisis around the world, nearly a third (31%) of travelers said they intend to spend more on international travel this year than in 2022.
Additionally, last year more than half (53%) of global consumers surveyed during the summer said they plan to stay in a hotel over the following three months.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The demand for travel is now stronger than ever and our report shows that this year we will see a significant bounce back. 2023 is set to be a very strong year for Travel & Tourism.
“Sustainability is top of travelers’ agenda, and consumers highlight the value they put on protecting nature and traveling responsibly.”
Other findings revealed in the report include:
• 2022 sun and sea package holiday sales are estimated to be up 75% compared to the previous year
• Last year during the summer, international arrivals in European sun and beach destinations were just 15% below 2019 levels
• According to WTTC’s recent ‘Cities Economic Impact Research’, in 2022 visits to major cities are expected to see a 58% year-on-year increase, less than 14% below 2019 levels
• Luxury holidays will prove particularly popular, with sales of luxury hotels expected to reach $92 billion by 2025 (compared to $76 billion in 2019)
• In a survey, nearly 60% of travelers said they were either already paying to offset their carbon emissions or considering it if the price was right
