Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

The government has published Flightpath to the future – its strategic framework for the future of aviation for the next 10 years.
Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs, ABTA commented:
“We welcome the publication of the Department for Transport’s new Aviation Strategy which sets out a framework for the recovery and future success of the UK’s world-leading travel industry. As we emerge from the crisis, there are many critical challenges ahead, including rebuilding consumer confidence, driving forward the sustainability agenda, and ensuring travel remains an attractive place to work. Constructive and regular engagement between industry and Government will be required to tackle these challenges successfully, and we particularly welcome the formation of the Aviation Council which will help to facilitate an ongoing dialogue. ABTA looks forward to engaging to ensure the views of the wider travel industry are heard and understood.”

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In the luxury travel market, there has been an influx of consumer travel trends as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes a boom in private aviation services at the high end of the market, remote working from overseas locations and demand for private buyouts of large villas or boutique hotels, finds GlobalData.
The leading data and analytics company’s latest report, ‘Luxury Travel Market Trend and Analysis of Traveller Types, Key Destinations, Challenges and Opportunities, 2022 Update’ reveals that as luxury travellers resume travelling both domestically and abroad in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, they may begin to seek experiences that are more immersive and more exceptional than in previous years.
Hannah Free, Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “With travellers determined to make up for lost time, 2022 could see an increase in holiday budgets for luxury travellers, with an uptick in demand for ‘once in a lifetime’ adventures. According to a GlobalData poll, when respondents were asked if their holiday budgets had changed due to COVID-19, 16% reported that their budgets were ‘a lot higher than pre-COVID-19’, while 12% of respondents stated that their budgets were ‘slightly higher than pre-COVID-19’.”
Despite the demand for luxury travel, there is a growing demographic of socially conscious, high-net-worth consumers who are rejecting overt displays of wealth in favor of inconspicuous and responsible consumption. Their approach to luxury is driven by ethical living, artisanship, authenticity and sustainability. Experience is the new currency for these holidaymakers, who seek self-fulfillment through greener travel and eco holidays, while wanting to ‘do good’ for people and the planet. If luxury travel brands ignore this trend, it could put them at tremendous risk of total disconnect with an audience who are looking for sustainable options.
“While COVID-19 has changed many aspects of luxury travel, there are still several defining features which sets the sector apart from mass market tourism. This includes hyper-personalisation, exclusivity, unique experiences, intuitive service and the ever important ‘human touch’ element.”ADVERTISEMENT

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed Italy’s travel and tourism sector will provide a significant boost to the country’s economic recovery and could almost reach pre-pandemic levels next year, just 0.3% below 2019 levels.
The latest forecast from WTTC’s Economic Impact Report (EIR) shows the sector’s contribution to GDP could reach more than €194 billion next year, while employment in the sector could also hit pre-pandemic levels.
The report from the global tourism body also reveals that the travel and tourism sector will grow at an annual average rate of 2.5% for the next 10 years, five times the 0.5% growth rate of the overall Italian economy. It will be worth over €226 billion by 2032.
The forecast also reveals the travel and tourism sector in Italy is expected to create more half a million (533,000) jobs in the next 10 years, averaging more than 53,000 new jobs every year.
In 2022, the sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to grow 8.7% to more than €176 billion, representing 9.6% of the total economic GDP, while employment in the sector is set to grow by 2% to reach almost 2.7 million jobs.ADVERTISEMENTJulia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The pandemic was catastrophic for Italy’s travel and tourism sector, wiping billions from the economy as businesses collapsed, and thousands of people lost their jobs.
“After two very difficult years, the outlook is now much brighter. Travel and tourism’s projections provide a massive boost, not only to Italy’s overall economy, but to the creation of new jobs.”
Before the pandemic, when travel and tourism was at its peak, the total contribution to GDP was 10.6% (€194.8 billion) in 2019, falling to just 6.1% (€102.6 billion) in 2020, representing a painful 47.3% loss.
The sector also supported nearly 2.9 million jobs, before an almost complete halt to international travel resulted in a loss of more than 400,000 (15.4%), to reach just over 2.4 million in 2020.
WTTC’s latest EIR report also reveals that 2021 saw the beginning of the recovery for the country’s travel and tourism sector.
Last year, its contribution to GDP climbed a positive 58.5% year on year to reach €162.6 billion, while employment in the sector grew 9.4%, to reach more than 2.6 million.
The sector’s contribution to the economy and employment could have been higher if it weren’t for the impact of the Omicron variant, which led to the recovery faltering around the world, with many countries reinstating severe travel restrictions.

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TUI Group, one of the world’s leading tourism groups, has revamped, expanded and relaunched the TUI Collection, one of the largest portfolios of original, branded experiences in the travel industry. The relaunch continues the Group’s strategic focus on tours and activities as a key growth pillar and supports the ongoing expansion of TUI’s digital platform for experiences.
“With the TUI Collection we are offering an unrivalled selection of high quality, original, and more sustainable tours and activities,” said Peter Ulwahn, CEO of TUI Musement, the tours and activities division of TUI Group. “Our original, TUI branded experiences are a strategic focus to drive further growth and are already the most popular tours and activities in our destinations. We are building on this success by relaunching a significantly strengthened TUI Collection portfolio with a sharpened value proposition and additional experiences that will see more and more customers enjoying tours and activities from TUI.”
Over five million TUI Collection experiences have been delivered since the concept was created in 2015. The relaunch sees the portfolio grow from 385 to over 650 tours and activities, available in more than 100 sun & beach and city destinations. TUI Collection experiences are designed to provide customers with great value through high-quality, more sustainable tours and activities, led by expert guides that deliver unique local insights. Highlights from the TUI Collection portfolio include a Holbox Island Boat and Buggy Tour from Chiquila, Mexico; a Majorcan village excursion involving different forms of vintage and historic transport to visit Port de Soller and Sa Calobra; and a hike in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, exploring scenic trails, discovering remote Berber villages, markets and a cooking class organised by a Berber family.
The TUI Collection relaunch comes as new research commissioned by TUI shows that most holidaymakers will enjoy two experiences per holiday, with nearly 70 percent of holidaymakers on a sun & beach holiday and three quarters on a city break likely to book more than one experience during their time away. Additionally, tours and activities was revealed to represent the highest share of in-destination spend; 40%.
TUI Group is considered the Europe’s Leading Tour Operator 2021 by voters at the World Travel Awards.ADVERTISEMENT

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed the travel and tourism sector in France will propel the national economic recovery and could even surpass pre-pandemic levels next year, when it is projected to rise 2.2% above 2019 levels.
The forecast from WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) shows the sector’s contribution to GDP could reach more than €216 billion by next year.
Employment within the sector could also exceed 2019 levels, creating almost 90,000 additional jobs, representing nearly 2.8 million by the end of next year.
According to the global Tourism body’s latest data, travel and tourism’s GDP is expected to grow at an average of 2.8% annually over the next decade, more than twice the 1.3% growth rate of the country’s overall economy, to reach nearly €264 billion (9% of the total economy).
The forecast also reveals the travel and tourism sector in France, is expected to create more than 385,000 jobs in the next 10 years, averaging over 38,000 new jobs every year, reaching more than three million employed within the sector by 2032.ADVERTISEMENTAdditionally, by the end of this year, the sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to grow 24.3% to more than €200 billion, amounting to 7.8% of the total economic GDP, while employment in the sector is set to grow at a slower rate at 3.1%, to reach nearly 2.7 million jobs.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “France is the world’s most popular destination, the backbone to the European travel and tourism sector. The pandemic really hit the French economy when international travel came to a standstill.
“Throughout the pandemic, President Macron and his government recognised the importance of our sector and has shown total commitment to the recovery.
“WTTC data offers a positive outlook, showing a clear recovery of both the economic contribution from travel and tourism and jobs, which will provide a strong boost to businesses across the country.”
Before the pandemic, France’s travel and tourism total contribution to GDP was 8.4% (€211.9 billion) in 2019, falling to just 5% (€114.9 billion) in 2020, representing a staggering 45.8% loss.
The sector also supported nearly 2.7 million jobs, before an almost complete halt to international travel which resulted in a loss of 255,000 (9.5%), to reach just over 2.4 million in 2020.
WTTC’s latest EIR report also reveals that 2021 saw the beginning of the recovery for the country’s travel and tourism sector.
Last year, its contribution to GDP climbed 40.6% year on year, to reach €161.5 billion.
However, the recovery of jobs was slower with just 170,000 travel and tourism jobs created, to reach 2.6 million.
The sector’s contribution to the economy and employment could have been higher if it weren’t for the impact of the Omicron variant, which led to the recovery faltering around the world, with many countries reinstating severe travel restrictions.

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Weakened traveler confidence, combined with strict COVID-19 measures, saw Poland’s outbound tourism numbers shrink to a fraction of what they were in 2019, says GlobalData. Figures from the leading data and analytics company reveal that outbound tourism from Poland declined by 62.7% year-on-year (YoY) from 2019 to 2020, to just 6.8 million international departures. However, international visits are projected to grow in 2022 and beyond as restrictions are eased across the globe.
GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Poland Source Tourism Insight, 2022 Update’, reveals that outbound travel from Poland is projected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024, with international departures forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 13.2 million projected international departures in 2022, to 18 million by 2025.
Megan Cross, Associate Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Poland is a source market that is growing in importance due to its uptake of budget-friendly options, such as low-cost carriers (LCCs). GlobalData’s survey found that 65% of Polish respondents identified affordability as a main factor in deciding where to go on holiday. Additionally, digitalized services and products are now of the utmost importance when attracting the Polish market. Over a quarter (26%) of Polish respondents stated that they typically use online travel agents when booking a trip, which was the most popular booking method.”
Polish tourists are also showing a strong preference for sun and beach destinations, with 60% of respondents saying they typically take holidays of this type. In comparison, just 20% of respondents in the survey said they went on city break holidays in 2021, a small number, especially when compared to the rest of Europe, which averages 39%. This could be due to concerns regarding the pandemic remaining among travelers, with only 4% of Polish travelers responding that they are not concerned about the spread of the virus.
Cross adds: “Demand for city break holidays is likely to be altered in the short term due to lingering COVID-19 fears of infection, which may drive desires to visit more rural areas. Croatia beat Italy as the number one outbound destination for Polish tourists, with easy, direct travel routes between the two countries, and many rural destinations, such as Rastoke for travelers looking for appealing active outdoor holidays.ADVERTISEMENT“Polish tourists are displaying distinct preferences which travel industry players such as destination management organizations, tourism boards and hotels would be remiss not to recognize considering the impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry.”

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The World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE), an impartial body which reports directly to the UNWTO General Assembly, met under a new chair and with a new composition. After deliberations, the Committee agreed to issue the following statement:
The World Committee on Tourism Ethics, welcoming the statement of UN Secretary-General that “Continuing the war in Ukraine is morally unacceptable, politically indefensible and militarily nonsensical”, in firm belief that tourism is a vital force for peace and a factor for friendship and mutual understanding among the peoples of the world, urges the Russian Federation to end its invasion against Ukraine which is putting millions of lives at risk, threatening their peace and security. Guided by Article 1 of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, the Committee calls on all efforts to be extended towards peace negotiations in accordance with the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.
While the right to tourism is forcibly taken away during conflicts, tourism is always a reminder of the importance of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and sustainable development among countries.
The WCTE functions are to interpret, apply, and evaluate the provisions of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, in addition to ensuring the promotion of its ethical principles and the monitoring of its practical implementation by governments and the private sector.

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With Americans searching for affordable travel alternatives this summer in the wake of inflation, new research shows “nearcations” and vehicle rentals may be the way to go — especially for those who are scaling back on vacation plans to stay closer to home and setting up a vacation budget in the wake of inflation and rising costs.
The new research stems from Outdoorsy’s Vacation on a Budget study, conducted by OnePoll to get real time perspective on travel behaviors ahead of this summer. The survey found that 52% of travelers noted they turn to rental vehicles while on vacation in order to save money, with 9 in 10 prefering to rent something they can easily sleep or stay in, rather than book a hotel. And 49% prefer to rent something just as luxurious or economical as what they have at home.
“While other vacation types have seen dramatic rises in cost over the past year in line with inflation, our average RV rental trip price has only gone up $5 over last year, representing a .28% increase,” said Jeff Cavins, co-founder and CEO of Outdoorsy, the leading global RV rental and outdoor travel marketplace. “Compare this to a 40% increase in hotel prices YoY, and you can see why we believe road trips are more insulated from inflation and also still a very affordable vacation option for those looking to keep their summer vacation plans intact.”
Nearly six in 10 survey respondents (58%) said they plan to vacation closer to home this summer to beat out inflation and rising gas prices. For those who may have had to dip into their vacation budget just to make ends meet elsewhere (72%), a “nearcation” is the perfect option for a vacation that offers the feeling of a getaway without the blow to your wallet.
Outdoorsy’s Vacation on a Budget survey also found that:ADVERTISEMENT >Over half of the 2,000 adults surveyed (56%) don’t believe they can afford a vacation this year because of inflation. But that’s not enough to stop them from trying, as 58% have been saving and setting aside more money to keep their vacation hopes afloat.
Reaffirming the busy travel season that lies ahead, almost 70% said they’re still planning to hit the road this year despite possible budget woes.
Half of the surveyed participants have a budget set up specifically for summer vacation, averaging $1,237. Four out of five of those with summer travel budgets in place said their plans were impacted by inflation.
1 in 3 said they would rather scale back on vacation plans to fit a smaller budget than not to have a vacation at all. And 56% said they’ve been successful in planning a vacation around a smaller-than-usual budget.
To save money, vacation-goers are planning to spend less on attractions (40%), lodging (40%), and clothing (39%).
Some parts of vacations, however, can’t be given up. Respondents said going out to restaurants (30%), visiting free attractions (28%) and traveling by vehicle (28%) are “vital to have, no matter the budget.”
There’s plenty to look forward to this vacation season and respondents say they’re most excited about travel this year because it will allow them to spend time with their families (57%), see new places (55%), make memories (55%), and get some much-needed time to themselves (52%).
“Inflation is an ever-present variable in the travel consumer sector. Travel trends are typically reflected in people’s spending habits,” said Cavins. “With that said, inflation’s effect on RV travel will be minimal. For families, heading outdoors not only offers a more affordable alternative to other modes of travel, but time in nature can also be a more fun and educational experience. Nearby, local state parks are some of our country’s best hidden gems that offer neverending opportunities for adventure and wonder.”
As Americans approach a “sold out summer,” Outdoorsy is the most reliable source for booking a dream getaway — whether that’s across the country or to a hidden gem closer to home — without having to factor in overpriced hotel rooms and frequent flight cancellations. With over 25,000 RVs available in 4,800 cities across the U.S., travelers have the chance to shift their travel plans to a more affordable option — an RV vacation — to enjoy unique travel experiences that foster quality time with loved ones and time to recharge in nature.
Cavins continued: “RV vacations are great for consumers’ pocketbooks in the current financial climate as they represent a cost savings of up to 21-64% for a four-person travel party (RVIA), by removing unnecessary spending out of travel and allowing consumers to be at ease. Knowing they can go to the grocery store and purchase a week’s worth of food for their trip at the same price it would cost to take the whole family out for dinner one night is the type of cost-saving trade-off you experience with RV travel. Many families who are concerned about shifting gas prices don’t realise they can also get an RV delivered to a campsite or destination of their choice — easily creating their own low-cost, luxury hotel room under the stars.”

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