The impact of the Omicron variant on travel sentiment, trip plans and travel marketability are now measurable, although not yet at lows reached during the Delta variant period. Meanwhile, 30% of American travelers are still heading out for Christmas Holiday trips.
Americans are largely in favor of vaccination mandates from airlines and testing requirements for travelers entering the country
New restrictions obviously mean potential challenges for the hotel industry, and as we have seen throughout the pandemic, every class of hotel can be affected differently. In this latest piece, we look at how Luxury class hotels have performed around the globe, especially in more recent months.
More Than 70% Experiencing Increased Costs, Lack of Availability for Key Items
Rules, rules… and more rules! One might say we’ve had enough of them since the pandemic reared its ugly head early last year. The last 20 months have flown past in a haze, with 2020 being nicknamed on social media as
Travel businesses report turnover at just 22% of pre-pandemic levels
Pump prices continue to tumble as fears of a possible COVID-19 global economic slowdown pushed oil prices into the mid $60s per barrel—a price not seen since August. Also helping to ease upward pricing pressure was the decision by OPEC and its oil-producing allies not to cut production. The national average for a gallon of gas dipped 4 cents on the week to $3.35. For consumers, gasoline prices were last this low on October 20.
Demand for international travel has plunged in the week since the omicron Covid-19 variant emerged as a global concern.
The hard-pressed hospitality sector received a much-needed boost today, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) announcement that cases of the Covid-19 variant Omicron appear to be ‘mild’.
Leisure travel is back to near pre-Covid levels. This Thanksgiving marked the busiest week for air travel since the start of the pandemic. But major US airlines had been counting on a return of their most lucrative revenue sources: business and international passengers. The emergence of the Omicron variant could put those passengers on hold, according to experts.
As regions and governments around the world assess the potential impact of the fast-emerging omicron variant, and therefore what actions to take, GBTA continues to encourage a clear, consistent and thoughtful approach, especially in terms of keeping country borders open to travelers.
A new report from ForwardKeys reveals which destinations were the most visited since 1st November by travellers from the eight southern African countries currently designated as most at risk due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 – namely Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The data supports calls from many people objecting to immediate travel restrictions imposed on travel to and from these African countries.
Airlines worry that new variant will end the short-lived industry revival.
During a meeting of the Lodging Industry Investment Council, members spoke about the ongoing labor shortage and how employees and potential hires may not view the industry as reliable enough for a career.
The outlook for travel in 2022 is shaping up in a promising way, with more trips overall and to a more diverse set of destinations. The near-term outlook is also positive, although current COVID and financial concerns will need to be assuaged.
Demand for ski trips in Europe is expected to take a hit this year due to rising COVID-19 cases, according to GlobalData, which notes that these destinations could see reduced footfall as early as December. The data and analytics company notes that December usually sees budding skiing travelers heading to Europe, which offsets the continent’s post-summer slowdown in travel.
Trivago’s Axel Hefer predicts that the travel recovery will take off in 2022 as more customers become ready to book trips again.
Darren Burke - Chef Instructor at Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland—shares the pandemic’s effects on the industry and the opportunity to reimagine business for a post-COVID era.
Twenty months after international business travel came to an abrupt halt, it is starting up again. But bankers say there are several reasons why they will not be racking up the same number of air miles as before the pandemic.
The organisations say the sector cannot afford inconsistent and ever-changing national responses, and a joint EU approach is the only solution to saving the struggling Travel & Tourism sector in Europe.
Mandatory pre-departure PCR testing for fully vaccinated travellers to Canada is keeping American and Mexican visitors at home and deteriorating trade and economic partnership in North America
The supply chain crunch and inflation are compounding what’s already a nettlesome recovery for hotel owners and operators. Though hotels offer nightly leases, allowing for the repricing of rooms on a dynamic basis, other revenue-generating outlets are more intransigent - a problem when inflation is soaring.
Covid Certification Extension Could See Over 75% of Hospitality Business Close
Amidst a pandemic-era near record high in resident sentiment towards local tourism, last week’s reopening of the U.S. borders to international travelers was welcome news to the majority of American travelers—many of whom may be now inspired to venture abroad themselves. Meanwhile it looks to be a busy Thanksgiving travel week - likely one that exceeds even 2019 levels.
U.S. Travel & Tourism Rebounds in 2021, May Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2022