Is it time for responsible traveling?
With the approach of summer and the desire for a country that starts again, thoughts turn to holidays. Many of us are wondering: how will tourism change with the fear of the spread of the coronavirus? Experts are questioning themselves, trends are studied and analyzed from different points of view.
The forecasts of Airbnb, one of the most successful startups of the last ten years, those who have helped us to think about holidays in a different way, now tell us how our habits could change.
They suggest a preference for isolated residences, perhaps in the countryside, suitable for a long stay and to combine relaxation with smart working. We can also expect that when the lockdown ends, people will be unwilling to take planes or visit crowded cities. Trends indicate that Summer holidays will be closer to home, safer and more convenient.
Italy Ipsos which launched the Future4tourism project dedicated to the world of tourism with the aim of understanding and forecasting tourist demand, to implement targeted marketing and communication strategies, to monitor the preferences of Italians.
Forecasts show that the number of people deciding to go on vacation this summer is decreasing, especially among the adult groups. From 55% in February now only 41% confirm that they want to go on vacation, those who will not go from 16% to 22% have increased, but the undecided have also increased from 29% to 37%.
Also this project has observed in recent months the confirmation of a new mindset. The market will be decided not by supply, but by demand.
If i is going to be based on demand, what our demand will be?
We have always traveled to find a balance in nature, to release stress, for the joy of visiting new places, to share beauty and amazement with loved ones. All important needs for the human being, perhaps to a greater extent in a moment of collective fragility. For those who desire holidays, hopefully there will be conditions for experimenting with a responsible way of traveling towards oneself and the environment. In this perspective, it is possible that a good number of people choose to spend their holidays around their countries of origin, supporting local economies and exploring their cities and their surroundings, crossing paths and paths to be covered on foot or by bicycle.
If we are careful and accurate in observing what we have around us, these corners of the world will give us countless special moments. If we can ask the right questions, our holiday experience will change for the better and we will be protagonists of a conscious tourism, which involves and supports the entire community.
"In what ways can our vacation benefit individuals, communities and spaces I meet?
"How can we support the small and medium-sized enterprises that animate the area?".
Ilaria Biamonti is a professional coach part of the team TH-HABITAT.