The Week In Travel

This week in travel has seen another setback for the industry, with IATA releasing a new report predicting that full recovery for global air travel won’t take place until 2024, a year later than its initial study had estimated. These estimates result from the lack of consumer confidence that we are seeing, as well as the decline in business travel and spikes in coronavirus cases in certain areas such as the US. On the bright side, passenger numbers are still expected to rise 62% in 2021, a steppingstone in the road to recovery for the travel industry.

Despite some concerns about the safety of travel, many consumers have demonstrated a strong desire to get away and enjoy a ‘real’ summer holiday abroad. This week Trivago saw a 30% rise in booking searches within the same day Germany announced it was lifting travel restrictions. A similar pattern occurred with Russian residents after the ban on international flights was lifted, with search queries to Tanzania in particular rising by 70%.

Many UK holidaymakers have followed through with this desire for a summer break, a welcome escape now that international travel restrictions have started to lift. However, those who headed off to Spain are now left feeling uncertain, as a new two-week quarantine rule upon return was enforced on the 26th July due to a rise in cases within mainland Spain. This hasn’t stopped travellers from enjoying their much-needed getaways, with one couple telling the BBC they feel safer on holiday than at home, thanks to comprehensive COVID-19 guidelines implemented by airlines and travel operators.