As the pandemic slowly fades away, the travel industry is ready to bounce back in full swing. After being cooped up for more than two years, people are craving adventure, and the industry is gearing up to meet their demands. A leading luxury cruise expert, Panache Cruises, has analyzed market trends and booking data to identify five travel trends we can expect to see in 2023 and beyond. These trends highlight that post-pandemic travellers want to explore lesser-known destinations, embrace environmentally-friendly options, and seek adventure in far-flung places.
- Bucket List Holidays The lockdown period made people realize that they shouldn’t take anything for granted, and many of them now want to make the most of the free time they have. As a result, travellers are seeking out big-ticket, bucket-list destinations. They want to explore places they have always wanted to visit but never got the chance to do so. The cruise industry is seeing a surge in bookings for destinations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as lesser-known and inaccessible locations. This trend suggests that travellers are more determined than ever to create lifelong memories.
- Expedition Holidays The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have fueled a desire among Brits to explore off the beaten track. Travellers now seek new and unique experiences and want to venture further afield. Adventure seekers want to explore remote parts of the world and walk along yet-to-be-trodden paths. Antarctica cruises have become increasingly popular among those wanting to witness landscapes that have only been seen by a few. The growing expedition cruising sector has seen many new ice-rated expedition vessels, equipped with submarines, helicopters, and inflatable boats, to explore remote areas up close.
- Environmental Focus Environmental issues are at the forefront of the travel sector, and there is a growing focus on sustainability and protecting the natural environment. The cruise industry is leading the way with new greener fuels and more efficient vessels. The increasing number of regional UK ports opening up for large vessels means that holidaymakers have significantly less distance to travel between home and their nearest cruise ship dock. This development saves time and has environmental benefits. Many travellers are also opting for travel brands that provide sustainable options, indicating a shift towards eco-friendly travel across all modes of transport.
- Changes in Baltic Travel Due to the Ukrainian War The war in Ukraine has brought a change in tourism to other Eastern European seaports, rather than visiting Russian ports like St. Petersburg. Cruise ships are now stopping off in ports like Tallinn in Estonia and Riga in Latvia, resulting in soaring tourism numbers and increased revenue for these countries. Tallinn alone has seen tourist numbers from docking cruise ships almost double in the past year. This trend is an excellent opportunity for travellers to explore the beauty of Eastern Europe’s hidden gems.
- Cruising Further on Shorter Trips Recent advancements in cruise ship technology have created vessels that can cover greater distances per day due to improved hydrodynamic hulls and more efficient engines. In 2023, travellers can embark on shorter trips while cruising further than ever before. These innovative technologies not only allow for more efficient and eco-friendly travel but also provide travellers with the chance to explore more destinations in a shorter time.
In conclusion, as the travel industry adapts to new trends, travellers are looking forward to exploring the world beyond the horizon. The pandemic has made people value their free time, and they are seeking out new and unique experiences that they will treasure for a lifetime. Sustainability is no longer an afterthought in travel, and travellers are consciously choosing eco-friendly options.
Written by: Anne Keam
