To me, travel is about living. Where will you go next?

I recently read Arne Sorenson’s post on the Let’s Go There campaign and I started to think of a question I have been asked, and have asked to others, several times over the past six months.

What do you miss most about travel?

For me, it’s the endless opportunities. When it comes to travel, it means a lot more than just a vacation. From seeing family and friends, exploring the world and visiting breath-taking destinations, to building memories with those around us, or gaining experiences of different cultures, to me travel is about living.

What is the reality of travel today?

Unfortunately, the pandemic has created an extreme rollercoaster experience for the travel industry.

Throughout the majority of 2020, we have witnessed moments like never before – lockdowns across the world, standstills on flight schedules, hotel closures, leisure and entertainment restrictions, and much more. Not only has it brought a feeling of uncertainty for businesses, but it has created doubt and worry in our minds as consumers.

Due to this, values and expectations have shifted. Health and safety are front of mind, and companies have adapted their business models and standards to meet these needs.

At Marriott International, our guests and associates’ health and safety will always be our top priority. Our hotels have raised their hygiene and cleanliness standards to an even higher level and implemented stricter measures, working closely with local health authorities. Our commitment to clean means guests can rest assured when they visit our hotels and focus on the most important thing – the wonder of travel.

Rebuilding confidence in travel

As a leading company in the industry, we understand the need to rebuild confidence, and the importance of inspiring the world to enjoy good travel once again!

Looking at consumer data, there are interesting behavioral changes and travel trends. Research shows it’s all about the first step. Once consumers take their first trip in this new environment, they are much more confident and eager to travel again. Not only that, how consumers travel has changed too.

Due to airline restrictions and quarantine protocols, many of us have taken trips locally to enjoy the feeling of a vacation – growingly known as a ‘staycation’. This is a term growing worldwide, and our hotels across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, (EMEA) are offering unique staycation packages to meet our customers’ and Marriott Bonvoy members’ changing needs. Personally, living in the UAE, I can vouch for the incredible staycation offers available at our hotels in this market. Whether it’s at our luxury desert resorts with secluded villas and private pools or at our beach-side, the desire for a staycation has never been more popular.

When you’re ready, where is next?

That is the other question I ask others. For me, the next trip is to London, and I cannot wait to explore the city during the Winter months and build many special memories with friends and family. Knowing that I am traveling in a number of weeks gives me something to really look forward to, and I think everyone deserves to have that ‘countdown’ feeling again.

So, I want to echo Arne’s words and encourage everyone to at least start thinking about that next trip, and if you need a little inspiration, check out our latest Marriott Bonvoy campaign that launches later this week.

When you’re ready to travel, we look forward to welcoming you back.