Traveling Responsibly in 2020

There is a gradual shift when it comes to modes of transportation, from airlines and automobiles to trains, trams, boats, ships, and pedal bikes.

Apac CIOOutlook | Tuesday, January 21, 2020

There is a gradual shift when it comes to modes of transportation, from airlines and automobiles to trains, trams, boats, ships, and pedal bikes. Slow travel is once again becoming the trend. Tourists will rush less and look to soak up the long travel experience as much as they can between one destination to another.

FREMONT, CA: Over the last few years, the travel and tourism industry has been exploding with new and emerging trends. And 2020 is going to be no different. A travel and tourism forecast by the U.S. Travel Association revealed that global long-distance travel would see an annual growth of 4.8 percent through 2023. However, the way we travel is sure to undergo some rapid changes. Be it globetrotting, backpacking, weekend getaways, or luxury travel, sustainable and responsible tourism seems to be the way going forward.

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Sustainable and Responsible Travel

A recent Forbes article points out that travel and tourism will embrace all kinds of sustainability in 2020. The focus will be on the increased usage of different types of public transport, taking responsible travel in the right direction. There is a gradual shift when it comes to modes of transportation, from airlines and automobiles to trains, trams, boats, ships, and pedal bikes. Slow travel is once again becoming the trend. Tourists will rush less and look to soak up the long travel experience as much as they can between one destination to another.

Surveys predict that 61 percent of travelers prefer taking a longer route to their destination, while 48 percent opt for slower modes of transport. This could be because slow and more extended travel often is cheaper. Motion-based tourism is emerging as one of the preferred choices when it comes to local touring. Cycle based trips and walkthroughs are likely to become common throughout 2020.

Amidst all the sustainability, travelers have also become increasingly aware of their carbon footprint and are looking for new carbon-neutral ways to get around places. As a result, the industry is in the process of reinventing itself to meet these new and emerging trends.

The Road Not Taken

As much as people are looking to travel responsibly, there also seems to be an emerging trend of going off the beaten path. Over the last few decades, popular destinations have suffered significant environmental damage due to over traveling. This can only be minimized by diverting traffic from such destinations and promoting less traveled destinations. Reducing traveler footprint from popular destinations can help restore them to their original state in the long run.

This is already becoming popular among millennials, who are keen to reduce over-tourism and second the motion of exploring new destinations and the adventures it beholds. Surveys suggest that 54 percent of travelers are keen on lowering over-tourism, and 51 percent are comfortable with swapping their destination for a lesser-known place. Also known as second-city travel, this trend will help tackle increasing travel expenses and prevent overcrowding at localities.

Insta-Tourism

Instagram is emerging as one of the most used social media platforms, and without a doubt, Instagram tourism is emerging as a new trend and is here to stay. The impact Instagram has had on all business sectors has spurred a need to focus on Instagram marketing. The platform has a very organic effect, which will be crucial in inspiring the wanderlust, as new generations travel to unknown destinations.

Wellness Tourism

A large section of tourists include people who are just looking to get away from their busy and hectic lives. This has been on the rise over the last decade, with more and more people just looking to get a fresh outdoor experience, disconnecting from the world and all its hassles. Healthy living is a new focus, and wellness tourism is the way to achieve it. The market for wellness tourism is expected to be worth USD 919 billion by 2023.

Traveling for Food

Each destination has its own cultures, and with each culture comes a new kind of cuisine. Tourists often travel far from their homes to experience a unique cuisine that can tangle their taste buds. From gourmet cuisine to food trucks, foodies are on the look for new experiences and flavors to savor. Activities like wine tasting and visiting craft breweries is rapidly gaining traction and is here to stay.

Looking at the big picture, sustainable and responsible travel is undoubtedly the future of the travel and tourism industry. Green travel is quickly becoming the new trend and is likely to see wholesome progress in 2020 with airlines, airports, and hotels swearing off single-use plastics.

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