One in two travellers feels optimistic about taking a trip in the next 12 months, according to the Traveller Sentiment & Influences 2020-2021 report by the US-based Expedia Group.
The study was conducted in October among 11,000 travellers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States. The study's aim was to learn about the impact of Covid-19 on travellers around the world in 2020 and in 2021.
In 2020, two-thirds of travellers had a planned trip cancelled due to Covid-19 and only a third of travellers took a trip during the pandemic. Of those who took a trip, eight out of 10 travelled for rejuvenation, change of scenery, experience different weather, or to visit family or friends.
In the next 12 months, travellers are more likely to take trips between April and September 2021. However, Brazilian, Chinese, and Mexican travellers showed a higher likelihood of travelling between January and March.
At least 57% of respondents said they would feel comfortable travelling if a vaccine was widely available. Also, more than half of travellers are looking for flexibility such as travel insurance and trip protection, full cancellation options, and refunds on transport and accommodations.
Travellers also want reassurances from travel providers and brands that they are following and enforcing pandemic protocols. Some of the leading factors deciding future transport decisions include mask use and enforcement (50%), cost (47%), and easy refunds or cancellation policies (45%).
Furthermore, people will only take trips if they are confident in their ability to change plans and stay safe.
Visit bit.ly/2WrvcMh.
Pata searching for a brand ambassador
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) is calling for applications for "Pata Face Of The Future 2021 Award".
It aims to honour a rising star who has exhibited initiative and leadership in advancing tourism as well as demonstrate commitment to the sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific travel industry in line with Pata's mission.
Applicants must be between 18-35 years and work for a Pata member organisation or undertake postgraduate travel and tourism studies at a Pata member educational institution.
Submissions are open until Feb 15.
Visit pata.org/pata-face-of-the-future.
AIRLINES UPDATE
- Thai Vietjet has introduced the Northeastern Pass to offer unlimited travel to and from Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani.
The price is 9,900 baht excluding tax and surcharges. The ticket is valid for six months.
In addition, the airline has also launched the Khon Kaen Pass, Ubon Pass and Udon Pass, offering unlimited flights within six months on the airline's domestic network to and from one of the three provinces. The price is 6,900 baht per pass.
The passes are available until Dec 31 at SkyFUN.vietjetair.com for travel from Jan 5 to Jun 30, 2021 (with a blackout period between April 10-18).
The airline has also recently introduced a new payment method by allowing passengers to purchase airline tickets via True Money E-wallet in addition to payments via debit and credit cards.
Visit vietjetair.com.
- Bangkok Airways will launch a Bangkok-Mae Sot route, starting from Feb 1.
The airline will fly daily from Suvarnabhumi airport. The flight will be operated by an ATR 72-600 aircraft. The outbound flights will depart Bangkok at 7.50am, 12pm and 3pm. The inbound flights will depart Mae Sot airport at 9.50am, 2pm and 5pm. The travel time is one hour and 30 minutes.
Visit bangkokair.com or its call centre at 1771.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATE
- Centara Grand at CentralWorld is offering a "Stronger Together" promotion with room rates starting from 2,240 baht.
The offer includes a 2,020 baht credit, which can be used in a spa or sky-high dining venues, for early check-in at 9am, late check-out up to 9pm (for stays from Sundays to Thursdays, subject to availability) and free stay for up to two children.
The promotion will last until March 31.
Visit centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgcw.
- Anana Krabi Ecological Resort will be renamed to the Pavilions Anana Krabi.
The resort offers 59 rooms starting from a 32m² room, the farm-to-table restaurant, a farm cafe, vegan cooking school, a fitness centre, spa, swimming pool, solar-powered long-tail boat for excursions.
Located in Tambon Aow Nang in Muang district, it will welcome guests beginning in February.
Visit pavilionshotels.com/anana-krabi.
- InterContinental Hotels Group has signed a franchise agreement with Siamese Asset to expand the Crowne Plaza brand in Bangkok.
The property will be named Crowne Plaza Bangkok Rama 9. It will open in 2025 in the mixed-use development Siamese Rama 9 project on Rama IX.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
