This is according to the results of new independent research released by Travelport, one of the leading travel technology company. The results of the study are based on a survey of 5,000 travellers across the United States, United Kingdom, India, Australia and New Zealand, as well as in-depth interviews with 29 leading travel suppliers. The study found that at all parts of the travel journey, it is deemed critical to have social distancing rules, mandatory use of face masks and ready access to sanitising gel or wipes, face masks and gloves. The study also revealed, however, that additional measures still need to be implemented by airlines, airports, hotels and car rental companies to fully restore consumer confidence. “This study highlights the criticality these measures are now playing in restoring traveller confidence. However, for the majority of travellers to return to the skies, the industry now needs to work together to not only ensure a wide array of safety measures are in place throughout the travel journey, but to collectively communicate these changes to travellers using a range of channels and merchandising technologies,” says Greg Webb, chief executive officer of Travelport.
On a country level, the study revealed demand for almost every safety measure is highest in India. Demand in New Zealand, while still high, tended to be the lowest across the five countries assessed. When it comes to age groups, demand for robust safety measures was again high across all categories, however, it was highest among baby boomers and lowest among the millennials. The study also reveals that travellers are more likely to book through a travel agent than before the Covid-19 crisis, with 33 pc of all travellers anticipating an increase in their use of travel agent services. This trend was particularly evident among the millennials with 44 pc. Of those who said they would use travel agents, 65 pc said it was because travel agents are best placed to provide them with the latest travel safety information.
