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Times have changed from just four years ago, when prices for travel were at rock bottom. Gone are the days of traveling to a luxury all-inclusive resort in Mexico for a week for under $2500, or a trip to the Dominican Republic for even less. The cost of traveling has increased significantly, with international flight prices being at the highest levels we have seen in years.
Quite the opposite is true. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects overall move to reach more than 4.7 billion passengers in 2024. That exceeds pre-Covid levels by 200 million passengers.
Even with prices soaring, existing tourist aren’t slowing down. A survey conducted by IATA shows that 44% of respondents intend to trip more this year than last. Only 7% said they would less.
Some people are traveling more since the lockdowns ended because they realized how much they value their autonomy. They want to get out and see the world more than ever! Many people are moving to places to learn about their roots. They are committed to finding out more about their ancestral homes and connecting with family members, particularly after easy access to DNA results has become available.
Some people are moving for medical tourism, with the costs of healthcare at home or elective procedures being significantly cheaper in other countries. There are also those who moving to help out in other countries, in a rising segment of the tour business called “voluntourism.” tourist can learn about a new culture and help by doing things such as building wells or helping to establish schools while in a foreign country.
And then, there is a large population of good old-fashioned tourist who just want to stick their toes in the sand and relax from the demands they face at home. There is nothing wrong with people taking a well-deserved break!
Tourist advisors are busier than ever, with travel agencies growing to meet the demand. There is so much business to go around. This has, unfortunately, led to a rise in multi-level-marketing travel schemes (MLM) which focus more on team-building than on actual travel planning.
Consumers need to be ever vigilant when choosing a travel professional. True travel professionals are experts in their field, and dedicate time and money toward market research, training, and on-site resort inspections. That said, big box store agencies typically do not offer the same one-on-one, concierge-level service as independent trip agencies. Rather, they are just booking agents.
While certainly there are still passengers who book their own trip, cancellations during Covid showed a lot of people the value in having an advocate to negotiate refunds and re-bookings. When some large trip agencies turned off their phone lines during the pandemic, smaller agencies helped to pick up the pieces. Clients noticed, and told their friends.
So, where are the hot spots for this year? Cancun, Mexico has been a hot spot for the last few years and remains a popular vacation destination. Located in the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun offers beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for tourist. It’s a great destination for families traveling together, or for couples wanting a romantic getaway. Popular excursions include visiting the ancient Mayan pyramids, snorkeling in cenotes, and ziplining in the jungle. Last year, 47.7% of tourist to Mexico went to Cancun. That’s a whopping 10.42 million people coming into Cancun alone in 2023!
Another popular vacation spot is the Hawaiian Islands. While Hawaii has always been popular, many Americans are now choosing Hawaii to support our 50th state. Numbers are recovering after tight restrictions during Covid, and after last year’s Maui wildfire turned many tourists toward other destinations. While the beautiful islands are so very different, each offers the same Aloha spirit that keeps tourist returning every year.
Further from home, Europe is always a good choice for those who want to see historical monuments and early artifacts. The splendor of Greece, decadent food, and welcoming people make it a choice for many. Santorini, Greece remains on many tourist’ bucket lists, and the natural beauty of the city with its gorgeous architecture and Mediterranean backdrop makes it one of the most social-media friendly islands. If Santorini is on your list, now is the time to go! The mayor of Santorini Nikos Zorzos has imposed an 8,000 visitor limit per day beginning in 2025 due to the effects over-tourism has on the island and its population.
Wherever you decide to go this year, and the numbers say you will go somewhere, be sure to be a conscious tourist. Be respectful of the local population and its customs. Help boost the local economy by spending your money with small businesses when you are visiting. Bring the best part of you with you when you travel – your curiosity!
And, most of all, use a trusted traveler advisor to plan your trip.
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