HITTING THE ROAD: WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF TOURISM AND TRAVEL?

Put the question to a future of tourism keynote speaker about what tomorrow’s world of vacations, destinations, and travel holds, and you’ll doubtless hear many and varied answers. We’re pleased to report that’s because so much is happening in the space, whether you’re talking about new innovations, emerging technologies, or general shifts in audience habits. As future of tourism keynote speakers, perhaps it may interest you to have a look at some recent trends and happenings of note that are on our radar.

1. More Self-Aware Travel: As you may know, there’s a growing awareness of the environmental impact of tourism, which could lead to a greater focus on sustainable and responsible travel. Vacationers may opt for destinations and companies that prioritize local communities and the environment. There may also be a rise in “slow tourism,” as some future of tourism keynote speakers have noted – taking longer, more immersive trips, often by slower means of transport to reduce the carbon footprint.
2. Safer Vacationing: The COVID-19 pandemic brought health and safety concerns to the forefront. There may be long-lasting changes to health and hygiene practices in the industry as a result, as well as potential new health-related regulations for travel.
3. Customization: The use of technology to enhance and personalize the travel experience will continue to grow. Think everything from AI-based travel recommendations to virtual reality tours, contactless payments, mobile ticketing, and biometric identification.
4. Extended Stays: The rise of remote work could reshape tourism, with people choosing to work from different locations for extended periods. This could boost long-term stays and “workation” packages.
5. Shorter Distance Travel: We may see a continued focus on local and domestic tourism. Travelers have rediscovered local attractions due to the pandemic, and this trend might continue, particularly if there are ongoing restrictions or concerns about international travel.
6. Experiential Outings: Many modern travelers are seeking unique and memorable experiences rather than just sightseeing, like future of tourism keynote speakers have posited. The happenstance could lead to growth in experiential travel, adventure tourism, and culturally immersive activities.
7. Eco-tourism and Wildlife Conservation: With a growing focus on climate change and wildlife conservation, green tourism is likely to gain more prominence. Travelers might increasingly seek out trips that allow them to connect with nature while also supporting conservation efforts.
8. Space Tourism: While still in its infancy and currently aimed at the very wealthy, private space travel is an area of potential future growth. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are making strides in this area, though it is still uncertain how this sector will develop.
9. Rolling Stones: Similar to the remote work trend, the digital nomad lifestyle has been made more accessible due to technological advancements. The tourism industry may adapt to accommodate this demographic with long-term travel options and amenities geared towards work-life balance.
10. Resilience and Change Management: The ability to quickly respond to and recover from crises like pandemics or natural disasters will be a critical aspect of future tourism. Building resilience might involve creating more diversified tourism offerings, increasing collaboration across the sector, and developing comprehensive crisis management plans.