Trends in Travel and Tourism 2009

Travel During the Economic Recession

Jul 25, 2009 Francesca Regazzoni

Travel source markets and destinations are suffering a slump in the tourism industry. Here is what's happening globally and how travel is still possible.

As most of the developed world is experiencing varying degrees of economic recession, citizens are left wondering whether to take that trip abroad now or wait.

Global Travel Trends say People are Still Travelling

People are still travelling and will keep travelling in times of economic instability. Great Britain, the country hit the hardest by the recession, reported a decrease in its residents' visits overseas by 2% while also reporting a 3% increase in inbound visitors. Perhaps aided by the fluctuating strength of the British Pound (£), tourists' spending increased by 6% while residents of the UK spent 8% less abroad than they did in 2008.

Canada, another country hit hard by the recession, reported a 9.8% decrease in overseas travel since April 2009; the percentage accounts for the largest decrease since 2003 when Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) broke out. Likewise in Iceland, tourism is suffering from the unfavourable exchange rate which has dampened its residents' overseas travel while encouraging foreigners to visit as even fuel surcharges on air travel drop.

The Change in Favoured Destinations in 2009

As most of the world is holding a red flag in their respective travel and tourism sectors, one has to wonder where the 247 million travellers reported to have arrived and departed across the globe were coming and going to in between the months of January and April 2009. Despite the decrease in international travel, the bottom line is that people are still travelling. No specific associations have been made between the A(H1N1) virus and the reduction in the industry.

While European and Asian destinations are struggling as both source markets and destinations, other continents and locations are experiencing a hike in tourism. One such continent is Africa and one such location is Kenya, recently reporting a 3% increase in visitors.

How to Travel During the Recession

With global tourism facing slumps at every quarter, the industry has had to come up with new or better strategies to lure potential tourists into spending. Some hotels offer 50% discounts, others offer a free night on the fourth booked while others still advertise a 30% nightly discount. Always do the math, even on special packages that bundle hotel stays with passes to the spa and other attractions.

If a trip abroad is still not within budget or isn't met with confidence, consider visiting the home country. More and more people are rediscovering their home land for less the price of travelling overseas. People no longer need month-long vacations to satisfy their wanderlust and indulge their senses in a foreign destination. Instead of inflating the family budget with airline tickets and accommodation prices, explore the greener option of eco-tourism and find conservation camp sites or national parks.

While the downturn of the economy has certainly affected consumer trends and hit the tourism industry hard, people shouldn't deny themselves the pleasure of travel, the indulgence of being a tourist for whatever span of time allowed. This is the best time to discover closer destinations or re-discover lost ones.

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