For several months, the Thai tourism industry has been greatly affected by the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As a result of dramatic changes in people’s behavior. Booking.com has explored more than 20,000 travel habits in 28 countries around the world. (Including Thailand) combined with insights from travel trend in 2021 search and word of mouth behavior on the platform. Before forecasting a travel trend “Tourism” in the future for Thai entrepreneurs to adapt to new behaviors.
1.From desire to need
Staying home for a long time during lockdown Make more people yearn for travel trend. 71% of Thai traveler are excited to have the opportunity to return, while 77% say they feel more appreciative of travel. In addition, two thirds of Thai travelers (65%) wish to explore the world even more, and 60% intend to book trips that must be canceled. Before, one more time
2. Value comes first
Economic impact from COVID-19 Making people look for the best value in every purchase not except for tourism 78% of Thai travelers pay more attention to “price” when planning their travel. They are also increasingly looking for promotions and special offers, and this behavior will last for many years.
3. Let’s focus on traveling near and familiar.
Because foreign tourism during this period is still far away. Making traveling in the neighborhood and traveling within the country becoming the first choice For travelers. They are more convenient, safer, and often more sustainable. 61% of Thai travelers plan to travel locally within the upcoming 7-12 months and 53% plan to travel in Thailand over the long term. % plan to explore new destinations. Who have never been to nearby, domiciled or in the country, and 55% want to spend time admiring the beauty of nature in Thailand.
4. Escape the truth by searching
To create happiness and find activities to do during the lockdown A majority of Thais, 98% of whom spend their time searching for inspiration for vacation trips, with over two thirds (68%) searching for destinations. Often times a week, 41% also respond to nostalgia when looking back at old photos from previous trips while looking for future travel inspiration.
5. Safety first
According to the survey, nearly 9 out of 10 (89%) of Thais are traveling more cautiously. Due to the corona virus And 83% of travelers expect attractions to Social Distancing has been implemented, while 86% will choose to book only accommodations that have clearly identified health and hygiene measures. And acceptable to the health check upon arrival at tourist attractions or destinations.
6. Take into account the impact
Over two-thirds (68%) of Thai travelers want more sustainable travel in the future, with 86% expecting the tourism sector to offer more sustainable travel options. And more than four-fifths (84%) of Thais want travel options that can support the revitalization of their destinations, and 82% want to see that their money will truly return to local communities.
7. Wave goodbye to going to the office
During the epidemic of COVID-19 Making many people work from home No more having to go to the office 5 days a week. Therefore, there is a clear increase in travel planning options by integrating work into “Workation” trips or work trips.
60% of Thai travelers plan to book accommodation to change the atmosphere to work in a exotic location, while 69% are willing to quarantine if they are still able to work remotely. %) Said they would find an opportunity to expand their business trip for longer so that they could stay on their destination.
8. Easy to experience happiness
When learning to live with the effects of a major epidemic Travelers are opening up to a simple new way to explore the world. And want to immerse in nature more Whether hiking A breath of fresh air Feel the nature And relaxation. This is similar to the needs of more than four in five (85%) Thai travelers who plan to indulge in more simple travel experiences, such as outdoor activities with their families during their vacation. Similarly (80%) are also looking for rural experiences or places that are rarely visited. To fully immerse yourself in the experience of nature.
9. Technology plays a role in driving travel.
Technology innovation will play a key role in ensuring travelers’ confidence once again in the post-pandemic world. With 81% of Thai travelers agreeing that technology is essential in helping to prevent health risks while traveling. 80% agree that accommodation providers must use the latest technology to make their guests feel safe.
Michelle Gao, Regional Manager for the Mekong Group at Booking.com, said: “This year’s big event was a particularly challenging one”. And it shows signs of significant changes affecting the tourism industry from the national level to the world level. Travel tren in 2021 are shifting to look for a higher level of travel safety. More sustainable travel deals Including a new definition of travel trend in 2021 that integrates working from a distance I believe that the tourism industry has extraordinary potential to become stronger than ever in years to come. “
