The changes that have taken place over the past few years have had a profound impact on our lives, the way we interact and socialize, business, and other economic and leisure activities, and are truly evolutionary.
Nombulelo Gliwe, Acting Chief Executive Officer, South African Tourism Board
One of the characteristics of evolution is that it unfolds at a glacial pace. However, the rapid adoption of widespread telecommunications, digital, artificial intelligence, and other technologies is having an accelerating impact on the current stage of human evolution.
But equally remarkable are the evolutionary cues that guide, sway, and entrench us into our humanity. As a result, our generation has probably grown up in a world where all the technology in the world is essential to, above all, human connection, real (as opposed to virtual) adventures, unforgettable experiences, and physical, emotional and mental health.
As a result, one of modern humanity's major quests is to connect the technologically, digitally, and informationally advanced elements of life with the down-to-earth human spirit and all its attendant health and adventure. It can be argued that it is about finding a balance between admiration and admiration. , new experiences, learning, meaningful relationships, and personal growth.
Few sectors better illustrate this perhaps dominant quest than the travel and tourism industry. This search for balance has led to one of the most notable and arguably notable trends in which research after study has returned in the post-pandemic years. Prioritizing unforgettable, life-changing experiences as one of the deciding factors in choosing a destination and your willingness to spend there.
From this perhaps neon-lit trend, and the aforementioned quest for balance, emerge many other trends that are expected to have a major impact on the travel and tourism sector in the coming months and years.
Wellness wanderings
A significant trend among millennials seeking wellness-enhancing travel experiences has created a niche tourism market. Nature and outdoor-based resorts, authentic cultural healing experiences, and meditation spaces are examples of tourism products that are increasingly appealing, especially among young people. This trend is worth noting and considering whether it presents an opportunity for your local tourism industry business.
Wellness has emerged as an important consideration not only at the destination level, but also in the 'getting there' part of many travelers' stays. In-flight wellbeing apps, mid-air meditation platforms and stress-reducing in-flight meal offerings are increasingly being embraced by airline brands to reduce the stress and anxiety that air travel causes for many people.
Airlines such as Air France and Virgin Atlantic have pioneered in-flight meditation services, and Air New Zealand and others are considering using sleep pods on long-haul flights to meet the health needs of today's travelers. doing. . It will be interesting to see whether South Africa and the continental aviation sector embrace this trend.
In-flight promotion and personal development
Some of the new trends related to the airline industry are inspired by the realities of long layovers, layovers, and, frankly, idleness that travelers sometimes experience during long-haul flights. there is. That's why airlines are injecting productivity and personal growth experiences, such as in-flight education programs and business-productivity-focused business class cabins, to help travelers feel like their time on board was well-utilized. I'm increasingly looking for ways to do that.
How does a solo traveler stay in shape…37,000 feet above sea level?
In recent years, solo travel has been on the rise. Many travelers who so-called “sololocation” do so intentionally, with the goal of enjoying solitude while taking in the experiences their destination has to offer. However, some people are open to, and sometimes actively seek out, connections with other singles while traveling. Join the growing trend of airport and in-flight dating apps.
These apps have been evolving for at least the past decade, with operators such as travel agency Flight Center and UK-based low-cost airline Easy Jet launching or planning to launch (in the latter case) Currently, it is entering a period of full-fledged maturity. (For the former) Launch your own dating app.
LGBTQ, Inclusion, and Accessibility Travel
To be honest, while equality and inclusion are our social norms and ideals, overt and subtle exclusion and discrimination sadly permeate many aspects of society, including the LGBTQ community; It also includes the travel experiences of members of specific demographic groups, such as people of color and people with disabilities. hindrance. Thankfully, the curation and packaging of travel experiences aimed at addressing that shortage is also emerging as a growing trend.
Across the travel and tourism industry, the intent is to create travel experiences that focus on connecting members of the LGBTQ community to safe and empowering spaces and destinations, tourism services that embrace diversity, and destinations that LGBTQ people enjoy. An increasing number of brands and products are packaging their products in a way that makes them unique. In addition to color, it also provides accessible spaces for people with disabilities.
Samples of this trend include significant technological advances that are beginning to impact the transactional aspects of travel (e.g., internet decentralization and metaverse, NFTs, token-based economics, etc.), advances in biometric security for travelers, and other experimental forms of travel are currently shaping the travel and tourism sector in real time.
Observing these trends and planning how to adapt and embrace them is critical to the competitiveness of South Africa's tourism sector.
