2022 began with the resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic and new tourism trends. The future of travel, however, finally looks brighter. Several countries are easing travel restrictions, at least for vaccinated travelers, and recently we've seen significant reopenings, which bodes well for a prompt recovery of the global tourism sector .
A study by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) sees the vaccination campaign and the lifting of restrictions as the path to returning to pre-pandemic employment and travel levels. According to the research, the tourism industry's contribution to the global economy in 2022 could reach €8.5 trillion (or €8.5 billion), just 6.4% less than in 2019.
2022 trends to consider
2022 will continue to be dominated by domestic and local tourism trends. Italian destinations and operators will still have to rely on domestic tourists. But we will also see a greater volume of international tourists , especially European ones, compared to 2021.
Smart working is a consolidated trend , so the ability to organize one's work schedule translates into a trend of taking short vacations—two, three, or four days—to destinations that are relatively accessible. It's expected that people will take three to four vacations a year, including, of course, the traditional main vacation.
This trend of micro-breaks , especially in spring and autumn, to regenerate and rest, to breathe, will continue in 2022. This implies a reduced seasonality , and the need to find open destinations, with hospitality services, restaurants, and operational tourism activities. Non-hotel accommodations will certainly benefit.
Environmental concerns and the awakening of tourist awareness mean that this is a trend that tourism cannot ignore. We're moving toward a demand for more conscious tourism . This translates into higher-value destinations. Namely, those offering products that are thoughtful and respectful of the environment, using local products, and displaying the much-vaunted authenticity.
After 18 months of consistently similar days, the desire to escape and do something different is stronger than ever. And that's why in 2022, travel will bring back a smile and enthusiasm upon returning home.
