Traveller fears are dwindling while many hope to plan trips to countries currently listed by the U.S. Department of State as Level 3 – Reconsider Travel. As the travel rebound continues, traveller worries are shifting dramatically, and their appetite for exploring the world is increasing.
Before the pandemic, people were more content with traditional tourist attractions. Cruising the canals of Venice in a gondola, skiing in the Rockies or the Alps, or even soaking up the sun on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, historically, were go-to vacation activities. Now, tourists have a growing enthusiasm for places beyond the traditional, some less accessible and a little more risky.
Among the 20 countries with a “Level 3 – Reconsider Travel” advisory, Egypt, Colombia, China, and Hong Kong are the top four destinations survey respondents want to visit. According to Global Rescue’s Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey, Nigeria, El Salvador, Cote d’Ivoire and Niger were the least desirous places.
More Trips, More Adventure
Travellers are planning multiple trips in 2023. Half of travellers surveyed are planning four or more trips this year, using credit card reward points to help pay for them. Nearly half (41%) said they would take two to three vacations. Only seven percent said they would take a single leisure trip in 2023.
As travellers catch up on lost trip opportunities due to the pandemic, the demand for adventure tourism has increased, with African safaris, hiking trips, camping excursions and motorcycle tours experiencing the fastest growth.
Travelers demonstrate a growing desire for authentic experiences in an increasingly globalized and connected world. While pent-up demand plays a role in the adventure travel boom, we don’t expect it to subside anytime soon.
But, there’s a limit to the risks travellers are willing to take, according to the survey.
The overwhelming majority of respondents (75%) would decline space tourism, even if they could afford the half-a-million-dollar cost for a few minutes of weightlessness. Regarding undersea adventure tourism, 65% of respondents said they would participate in snorkelling or scuba diving tours of reefs, underwater caves, marine life and shipwrecks. Only five percent would stay at an undersea hotel or dine at an underwater restaurant. Less than 2% would sign up for a deep-sea tour in a submarine.
Survey Reveals Bad Tourist Behaviors
Loud, rude conduct and disrespectful or entitled behaviour by tourists while visiting another country are the leading characteristics that infuriate travellers, according to the survey.
The worst tourist conduct observed by other global travellers was being too loud (27%). In close second place, 26% of respondents reported that travellers’ unwillingness to try local cuisine or follow local social customs was the most infuriating behaviour. The third most disappointing trait (18%) was the expectation that destination residents speak the same language as the traveller. Fewer than 10% of respondents said tourists who wear revealing, offensive or shabby clothing were the most exasperating.
Respecting local culture and customs is crucial while travelling to another country. Locals may find it insulting and offensive when tourists act disrespectfully. Before arriving, travellers should research to learn about and comprehend the local customs and culture.
Looking and acting like a tourist can produce assumptions that you are inexperienced, naive, lacking cultural awareness, and wealthy. Crooks that recognize you as a foreigner are more likely to choose you for scams and other criminal activity. By blending in, you lessen the chance that local scammers or delinquents identify you as a tourist and target you for their schemes.
Travelers Want Pandemic Protection
Despite the travel rebound and the end of the COVID crisis, the threat of another pandemic remains, especially with The World Health Organization identifying Eris as an expanding Omicron sub-variant of interest.
Some may believe there’s no need to spend money to protect against a new potential pandemic, but they’re wrong. It’s not a matter of if but when a new pandemic will emerge, and we have the means to prevent it, provided the international community has the will.
Most survey respondents (60%) agree and want international governments to invest in and develop pathogen scanners that can be deployed in transportation hubs like airports and railway terminals.
Written by: Dan Richards
Dan Richards is CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services provider. He currently serves on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
