Travelport’s latest research – which surveyed 5,000 travellers from the US, UK, India, Australia and New Zealand – identified that travellers would be willing to book domestic and international travel on the condition that airlines, airports, hotels and car rental companies collectively implement ten different safety measures throughout their journey, including fully flexible or refundable flight tickets.

For those surveyed, enhanced cleaning and/or disinfection was cited as the most important safety measures on airlines, in hotels and for car rentals. This was followed by access to sanitising gel/wipes, face masks and gloves; social distancing; and temperature checks. The remaining six safety measures cited as crucial by travellers were: the mandatory wearing of face masks; having fully flexible or refundable tickets for airlines; improved air filtration on airlines; contactless services; plexi-glass at airport check-in; and managed boarding by row at airports.

“Over the last few months, the travel industry has rolled out many initiatives to support a safe, healthy and responsible return for travel. This study highlights the criticality these measures are now playing in restoring traveller confidence,” said Greg Webb, Chief Executive Officer at Travelport, who is based in the US. “However, for the majority of travellers to return to the skies, the industry now needs to work together to not only ensure a wide array of safety measures are in place throughout the travel journey, but to collectively communicate these changes to travellers using a range of channels and merchandising technologies.”

In terms of country demand for safety, the study revealed that demand for almost every safety measure is highest in India. Demand in New Zealand, while still high, tended to be the lowest across the five countries assessed, the research revealed. Travelport’s finding also uncovered that when it comes to age groups, demand for robust safety measures was highest among baby boomers and lowest among millennials (though still considerably high among all groups surveyed).

Derek Sadubin, Managing Director, CAPA – Centre for Aviation, which is headquartered in Australia, commented: “Health and safety is understandably front of mind for travellers right now. The travel industry recognises and respects this and, what’s encouraging, is that many suppliers, such as airlines, have already implemented the safety measures travellers say they need to book a domestic or international trip – but we still have a long way to go. Collaboration and communication are now key to restoring traveller confidence and securing a strong and responsible industry recovery.”