You’re invited, let’s go!

The world is a fascinating place, especially when granted the opportunity to explore. With barriers removed, there is little reason to leave it uncharted.

Travelling exposes endless opportunities to learn about other cultures, to experience new things and places, or to simply escape your everyday life and regain internal balance. Some may argue that there has never been a better time in history than right now to see the world. Not only because we can do so with similar freedoms that were once taken for granted, but also to gain perspective on our own lives that have likely undergone substantial change. Travelling often reminds us how small our troubles may seem in comparison to the vast complexities of the world. While it may be overwhelming at times, it is also incredibly liberating.

Projected to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) predicted a 5.8% annual average growth rate compared to a mere 2.7% estimated for global GDP.

As people prepare to get back out there and explore, there is a new demand for safety precautions and elevated cleanliness. Some airlines are taking extreme measures to reduce potential anxiety; however, it is anticipated that many will opt to travel by car during 2022 and be more open to flights in 2023. Accommodation enhancements such as digital room keys, contactless concierge services and digital messaging have become standard and overall digitalization of customer interactions has accelerated leveraging robotic fusions and facial recognition technology.

The hospitality industry is also catering to a shift in dynamic where business travel is concerned. With the post-pandemic blend of work and life, joined by the substantial increase is remote working arrangements, the demand for co-mingled business and leisure travel has increased. Properties are offering competitive long term stay packages while ensuring access to a variety of comfortable and flexible workspaces.

Restricted to travelling between various indoor and outdoor spaces of their homes, it stands to reason that authentic experiences are a highly sought-after trend moving into 2023. Mainstream tourism adventures and conventional destinations are not in the same demand they once were. People are seeking more meaningful connections and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

The predictions and trends speak for themselves. There is a desire to travel, and a demand to do so differently. Forecasted to generate a GDP of more than $8 trillion in 2022 and $9 trillion in 2023, the long-awaited recovery of an industry arguably hit the hardest, the future is bright.

With obstacles eliminated, safety measurements increased and destinations reinventing themselves to deliver new and desirable experiences, it is time to consider what your next adventure looks like. Every form of travel offers a life-changing experience. Like an open book, you discover new ways of thinking and interacting with the world around you as each page turns. Travelling is an opportunity to meet new people, see new places and learn about yourself and others. Time to discover what you want out of life, where you fit in this world, and how to enjoy a better quality of life.