The Summer Surge

Recently we all dealt with an event that was unexpected and previously thought unlikely to occur. It took the whole world by surprise, causing chaos at airports and disrupting family holidays worldwide. But, we’re not talking about Covid-19. No no. That’s old news now. We’re talking about the rebound effect that has happened now that the hype and mass hysteria of covid has come to a steady halt.?

The European summer of 2022 has taken most of those in the travel and tourism industry by complete surprise. Of course, everyone expected there to be an increase in travel after the pandemic, but seemingly no one predicted the incredible numbers that have continued to stream in all summer long.? The queues at airports are continuing to stretch out the building and around the block as staff work long overtime hours without relief.? But what has happened? Why has the whole world seemingly all decided to go on holiday all at once?

It’s our first holiday in 2 years

Let’s start with the obvious. It’s been two of the worst years that most of us can remember. Many got locked up in isolation for weeks if not months at a time and the whole world changed as we know it. Life was put on hold as businesses had to shut their doors, people had to stay at home and many holidays were certainly cancelled. This year summer rolled around and there were basically no more restrictions. For the first time in 2 years, people could go pretty much anywhere they wanted with limited restrictions on movement. So what did we all do? We went on holiday, that's what we did.?

Statistics have shown that demand for travel to Europe in Summer 2022 is up 30% compared to pre-covid 2019. That’s pretty astounding when you consider the fact that most airport and hotel staff have been cut in half.

Everyone learnt how to work remotely

In early 2020 your boss told you that you could work from home during the worst of it. Then things eased up a bit and you were allowed to come back to the office, but like a lot of people, you realised that remote work was actually quite nice. You could keep your slippers on and spend time working in your favourite coffee shop. So naturally, a lot of people decided not to go back to the office and in conjunction, a lot of businesses decided to extend the courtesy of letting their employees work remotely as fixed costs for renting office space and equipment fell away.?

The next logical step? Well if we can work at home, why not from a cottage in the Italian Alps, or from a Villa in Corsica? In 2022 workations have been notched up to a whole new level. People are looking for wifi and staying for longer. Because, why not?

What are we in for next year?

Well, it looks like a new standard may have just been set. It took a pandemic for us to realise, but the whole world has just opened up like never before. This year European airports might have been crazy, but we can almost guarantee you that next year won’t be the same. They’ll be ready. More people will be travelling for more time. Hotels and lodges will welcome and integrate remote working solutions for travellers looking to stay for longer periods of time. And an industry built on holidaymakers will soon join the remote working movement.