Currently 32% of people who want to travel abroad more than before Covid: Survey

Jeddah — Travelers want the world’s tourism sector to learn the lessons of a pandemic and change for the better. A whole new global survey has been found.

The Future of Tourism Survey surveys travel attitudes and consumer expectations in 11 countries around the world. We found that 44% of respondents wanted greater harmonization of health protocols and the use of technology that enables seamless travel. Also, 34% wanted to see greater sustainability in the heart of the tourism industry.

While 29% wanted to prioritize health and sustainability over the interests of the travel sector, 33% sought to strengthen the financial protection of travelers, perhaps in response to their pandemic experience. rice field.

People in China, India and South Korea were most in favor of greater harmonization of safety protocols and the use of technology to make travel easier.

This survey, conducted by YouGov and commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, surveyed approximately 14,000 people in China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, Spain and Sweden.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said: It shows that we can all do things differently, whether it’s travelers, tourists, businesses, governments, etc.

“Future tourism research shows that the public wants us to learn pandemic lessons and make changes that put health, sustainability, and better use of technology at the heart of future tourism. increase.”

Studies have shown that travelers’ attitudes have changed after two years of pandemics and lockdowns have restricted travel. Currently, 55% of respondents are more likely to travel domestically and 32% are more willing to travel abroad than before COVID.

Economic uncertainty and rising prices have weakened the enthusiasm for travel over the next six months. Globally, 42% are likely or very likely to travel abroad on vacation, while 39% are unlikely or very unlikely to do so.

However, the biggest impact is on business trips. Only 18% of respondents believe that they are likely or very likely to travel abroad for business.

Chinese, Japanese and Americans were not the most optimistic about the outlook for overseas travel. In contrast, Britons, Indians and Saudis believed they were most likely to travel abroad within the next six months.

The Future of Tourism Survey was announced prior to the 116th Board of Directors of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia next week, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia.

Adapting to future demand to strengthen the tourism sector and increase sustainability and resilience is an important challenge.

Prior to the pandemic, travel and tourism (including direct, indirect and inductive impacts) accounted for one-quarter of all new employment created worldwide and 10.3% of all employment (3). It accounted for 13.3% ($ 9.6) of the world’s GDP. Trillion).

Al Khateeb said: “Saudi Arabia is a whole new tourist destination. We opened the door to international tourism just before the pandemic, so we have the motivation and ability to think and act in new and different ways.

“By coordinating our vision, leadership and resources, we were able to create a new model of tourism that is more resilient and sustainable by design. Share our insights and work with international partners. We look forward to working together to build a brighter future for tourism. “

Last week, the World Economic Forum released its Travel and Tourism Development Index.Saudi Arabia rose 10th to 33rd^rd Throughout the world. The Independence Index benchmarks 117 countries on the 17 pillars essential to the development and resilience of the travel and tourism industry.

Saudi moved from 43 years old^rd 2019-33 years^rd In 2021, we saw the second largest rise in the rankings as a result of improvements in almost all indicators. This was the first report produced since Saudi Arabia opened for international tourism in September 2019.

The UNWTO Executive Council will meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 7-8. — SG