Expedia publishes 2022 Traveller Value Index

Expedia has outlined five travel industry trends as it publishes its Traveller Value Index: 2022 Outlook report.

The report combines Expedia’s proprietary data with the results of a study conducted by the company in partnership with Wakefield Research, which surveyed 5,500 participants across eight countries.

The report found that after two years of global pandemic, travellers are likely to spend more on travel, embark on purpose-driven and sustainable trips, and prioritise flexibility in 2022.

“Travel is about to experience a year unlike ever before as people plan purpose-driven trips, value vacation time more, and up their investment in unique experiences,” said Ariane Gorin, President of Expedia for Business.

“Still, travellers are preparing themselves for possible trip changes as Covid-19 persists, and they want an array of options at their fingertips. Travel companies that prioritise safety and wellbeing, innovative solutions, and transparent communication will be the clear leaders as the entire industry shifts from survival mode into accelerated demand and growth,” she added.

Travel for ‘personal wellness’ will surge

According to Expedia’s report, the pandemic has caused many people to reflect on the importance of spending time with family and preserving their personal wellbeing.

Eighty-one per cent of people surveyed said that they plan to take at least one trip with family and friends in the next six months, while 78 per cent of respondents expressed an interest in frequent short trips.

This corresponds with similar findings in Expedia’s 2022 Travel Trends Report, which found that 42 per cent of UK travellers were searching for a relaxing holiday destination to support the recovery of their mental wellbeing, following a rise in mental health issues during the pandemic.

New working arrangements have altered travel priorities

With the development remote working, 56 per cent of people who regularly work remotely have said that they will extend a work trip for leisure, or vice versa. Many individuals were also looking to make greater use of their holiday entitlements.

Similarly, the 2022 Vrbo Trend Report also found that 84 per cent of US families now have a greater appreciation for holiday time than they did pre-pandemic, and 77 per cent have a greater appreciation for separating professional and personal life.

Higher spending on travel post-pandemic

More than half (54 per cent) of respondents say that they plan to spend more on trips than they did before the pandemic, while 40 per cent say that they plan to use loyalty points for at least part of a trip in 2022.

Many travellers are looking to travel more ethically

Almost six out of ten(59 per cent) respondents said that they were willing to pay more to make a trip sustainable, while 49 per cent said that they would be happy to choose a less crowded destination to reduce the effects of over-tourism on traditional travel hotspots.

Many (43 per cent) said that they would also be willing to add in extra time for services and transit to minimize lines, stress on workers and missed flights.

Greater flexibility and better deals are in demand

An overwhelming majority of travellers are looking for more flexible fare options in future, with 83 per cent of respondents saying that such options would make a world of difference. The demand for flexibility is likely due to the frequent disruption of travel during the coronavirus pandemic.

A similar number (84 per cent) also said that a discounted fee is influential when making a decision on whether to book a flight online.

Expedia’s Vice President for Global Air Partnerships, Julia Kyse, spoke to ITIJ in our January issue about the emergence of new patterns in the airline and booking industry.