Demand for long-haul travel is greater than expected

longhaul

Despite travel restrictions brought about by Covid-19, it appears that consumer confidence has not been deterred too drastically, according to a recent survey by GlobalData

The survey by the data analysis company revealed that 36 per cent of respondents stated that they would consider an international trip to a different continent in the next 12 months, which is eight per cent more than the percentage of respondents that stated they would consider an international trip to a country within the continent in which they live.

Ralph Hollister, Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, commented: “Due to Covid-19, there has been frequent adjustments made to travel restrictions, and each country has different regulations in place, which means that travelling to a different continent in the short-term will still be risky. These implications can lead to sudden cancellations, and the likelihood of contracting the virus is at the forefront of travellers’ minds. However, it appears that these factors may not deter consumers from travelling as long-haul routes looks set to reopen to the masses this year.

“Concern around the factors above would suggest that demand for long-haul travel should be lower than the demand for short-haul travel; however, this appears to not be the case. This shows how general fatigue created by the pandemic has left travellers adamant that they need a radical change of scenery and may be willing to put considerable concerns aside to achieve this.”

Airlines plan for long-haul travel

This month, US-based United Airlines announced further long-haul expansion to Europe and Air France declared further expansion to the US, with new flights commencing this summer. United Airlines stated it will add new flights to Croatia, Iceland, and Greece. Additionally, Air France publicised that it had added Denver to its network.

Hollister stated: “This increase in long-haul flights to popular destinations shows that airlines have also predicted pent-up demand for long-haul travel this year. Betting on long-haul travel from a traveller and business point of view still carries risk as the pandemic is not over and the situation can still quickly change. However, global demand for long-haul travel is evidently growing, which shows signs that meaningful recovery could start this year.”

At the same time, affordable Covid-19 testing is the key to a safe return to travel, according to Katalyst Laboratories, with airlines Delta and Singapore Airlines currently ramping up their pre-flight testing.

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