People are more optimistic about traveling in 2023 than they were this year despite the grim economic outlook, with wellness and adventure on the itinerary for many. While many travelers are willing to spend more “lavishly” to make up for lost time due to the pandemic, economic uncertainty has them strongly taking into consideration value for money, with many looking to take advantage of deals and travel hacks, according to Booking.com. They will be looking to take wellness to another level and opt for more "off-grid" style vacations, said a recent Booking.com report. Of the 24,000 travelers surveyed across 32 countries, more than half (55%) said they are looking for off-grid style holidays next year – albeit not at the expense of a phone and internet connection. It also said that travelers will be looking to take wellness "to the next level," with 44% seeking to experience meditation and mindfulness getaways and 42% a 'health hiatus' that focuses on mental health. Another trend is also picking up in the Middle East, with organizers of the annual Arabian Travel Market saying sustainability practices have “gained significant momentum,” as countries in the region work towards net zero targets.? ??Do you see this wellness and adventure travel trend play out in the Middle East amid the economic challenges? Do you think that sustainability will play a bigger role in holiday planning? ?? Sources: https://lnkd.in/dTFUquAJ https://lnkd.in/dgcKnXsE ???Dana Moukhallati ?? Getty Images
Firstly one needs to understand about the travellers to Middle East. Middle East has lately been a preferred holiday choice due to the value it offers to experience high end luxury, shopping and Theme parks. It is still not a adventure destination yet. The on going World Cup this year in the region organically influences more travellers as most touristic spots in the region are easily accessible. The political stability achieved by the nations in the region coupled with relaxed visa rules does make travel to the Middle East enticing. But still the growth in tourism is considerable post Covid, It’s yet to reach the pre Covid levels as the prime reason mentioned is the conservative attitude of people spending on a holiday with fears of recession looming large. We are yet to witness surge in travelers from middle income groups which often is an indicator of people’s attitude toward spending on Holiday and travel.
As a flight attendant, having went through covid, with all covid restrictions being lifted in most countries, people are looking to travel and do more than what they actually did before covid, the covid period was like a wake up call for most, some are even leaving their comfort zone to explore the unknown, most of my friends now are into wellness programs, recently most of their travels include yoga retreats and secluded areas, so I would think the trend is picking up and it surely helps with mental health and most places like this are usually budget friendly and have a sense of belonging, which is what most people are seeking for.
I believe there will be a positive shift towards sustainability and wellness travel globally for the day ahead LinkedIn News Middle East Dana Moukhallati ?? The awareness of the "Now Time & We/ Me Time" has risen from the days of confinement during the pandemic leading to finding more value and meaningfulness towards travelling. The Gen ZZ focuses more on experience travel - be it luxury/ wellness/ exploration or a simple getaway as time is something we can not get back..... Don't you think so?
The aftermath of the pandemic has altered many people’s priorities in many ways, but especially in the areas of wellness and sustainability.? Now, when planning their trips, people are being led by their curiosity and appetite for holistic experiences and adventures. This is why a whole person approach is at the heart of VIWELL – people are putting wellbeing at the center of their and their family’s holiday plans to ensure more meaningful and rich travel experiences.?
By highlighting the severe energy crisis that many European countries are currently suffering, especially in winter. And the high cost of living as well as the increase in the rate of inflation there. Taking into account the significant negative impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, which led to a change in the behavior of tourists of all ages and nationalities. They interest in spending a fun time full of adventures with reasonable accommodation costs, in addition to adhering to precautionary procedurs. We will find that the countries of the Middle East are the most prominent tourist destinations in the time being, as we find sustainable growth is the goal of many of these countries, especially in UAE , Qatar and Egypt, which has recently hosted the climate conference COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh or the green city, and what it showed of interest in the Ecosystem. Hurghada, Luxor and Aswan are currently following the same approach. There, tourists' desires will be met in various tourism activities such as relaxation, meditation, conferences, camping, etc Hence, we find the future destination of the tourism is in Middle East as long the security and economic status are under control.
Definitely, I believe that our generation has just arrived to the era where wellness is a must.The epidemic period spots the lights on the importantance of wellness and health care.As we are swimming in a pool invention of disease and uncertain treatments. Back to nature, traveling and discovering new means of well-being is the main motive to live a free life partially away from capitalism and commercialised habits. Personally, this is what I'm trying to do and I'm using all possible tools to go ahead straight froward to my stillness and wellness.
Most travellers nowadays tend to explore new cultures and activities rather than spending lots of money for a good accommodation or a flight ticket. Mostly, they live like locals to experience the culture in the best form (Food, hostels, neighborhood, activities, transportation and way of living). Traveling (vacations) is a basic life need nowadays that won't get affected much with the economic situation, spending may be lessened but the traffic will resume; specially when travellers can have a couple of days to a week vacation with the same cost as staying in their neighborhood. Finally, domestic travellers increased by 75% during COVID-19, making people hungry for exploring different spots in the world. 2023 will be a huge recovery for the industry despite the economic situation. The middle east and south Asia will lead the traffic due to the low cost of living and high quality standards.
Luxury is not a target on itself now. Exploring new cultures, new adventures, wellness retreats are much more attractive especially for ppl from 20-50 yrs . I think after Covid ppl are more restricted financially but still want to travel. Social media has opened the eyes of young generations on the beauties worldwide. As a woman in the ME i see more and more ladies willing to travel alone, and the young generation in the ME in general has travelling as a target in life beside marriage, education and having children, which was not the case before that massively. It reflects the need of knowing the others, live their lives as locals and not being indulged in 5* hotels like before.
One of the trends we have seen post-Covid is the search for transformational travel. One part is for wellbeing, as the traveler wants to take care of herself, to live experiences that have meanings. The other part is to find destinations that are sustainable, taking care of the environment, and the surrounding communities. Travelers are more aware of the impact they may have and want to play a positive role in their travels.
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