Three Things We Learned This Year

Here are our three key takeaways:

• The travel industry is resilient. In April 2020, U.S. air travel bottomed out at about 90,000 daily passengers compared to an average 2.5 million daily passengers in the months leading up to the global pandemic declaration. While much has been made of this summer’s travel boom and its role in the industry’s comeback, let’s take a moment to consider how resilient and agile travel organizations had to be simply to get to that moment. It took a lot of hard work and tough decision-making to weather the storm, bring back employees and welcome back guests.

• Safe travel can happen amid a global pandemic. While experts predict that travel will not return to pre-COVID levels until 2024, millions of consumers got back on the road for business and leisure this summer. And with enhanced health and safety protocols in place – aided by technology that enables more touchless experiences – like mobile check-in and digital keys, that return to travel happened without mass outbreaks. From cruise lines to resorts and airlines, the industry has found ways to welcome consumers back safely.

• Travel insurance is an important tool. Over the last year, consumers and destinations alike have become savvier about the benefits travel insurance offers. Consumers today are more likely to consider travel insurance, even for domestic vacations, because it offers an extra layer of protection for all phases of their trip during an uncertain time. And some nations now require visitors to provide proof of travel insurance to enter to help protect both its guests and the destination itself as COVID levels ebb and flow globally.