Airline travel is booming. Image credit: Priority Pass
As global travel continues to grow, “megatrends” such as connectivity, sustainability and engaging experiences are shaping tourism across borders.
According to a report from Euromonitor, politics are also playing a role in travel patterns, both in Europe and the Americas. International travel is also becoming more accessible for different populations, in particular the Chinese.
Euromonitor’s report is based on input from more than 1,000 industry experts.
Global tourism
Megatrends are influencing different regions to varying extents.
London was the most-visited city in Europe with more than 19.8 million arrivals. However, with confusion still surrounding Brexit, the repercussions of a “no deal” could extend beyond the United Kingdom tourism industry.
Brexit is likely to impact the European tourism industry. Image credit: The Langham London
Currently, Britons account for 21 percent of inbound tourism revenues in Spain. A no deal outcome could result in a loss of up to $747 million in revenue in Spain this year alone, which could potentially lead to a reduction of $66 million in spending by Spaniards.
In the U.S., concerns about a negative “Trump effect” on international tourism have not fully materialized.
While inbound travel from Mexico and other Latin American countries has declined, Canadians and Chinese tourists continue to flock to the States. The tense relationship between the U.S. and China may adversely impact business travel in the near future.
Political upheaval in South America has also impacted travel. In the case of Venezuela, the tourism industry is now nearly nonexistent with a sharp and steady drop in airline and lodging spend since 2013.
Connected travelers
Consumers today expect travel experiences to be interconnected and nearly seamless, from checking in at hotels to frictionless payments. Mobile pay also eases the difficulties that can come with language barriers and other issues from traveling abroad.