Travel agents will become the “fountains of all knowledge” in 2021 in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.
The prediction came from Amadeus which indicated how the pandemic served to highlight the “critical role” of agents.
“Anyone who didn’t have one in 2020 probably regretted it,” the travel technology provider said as it outlined future travel trends.
“If you’ve had to change a trip, or manage a big travel disruption on your own, you probably understand why it’s helpful to have a travel agent in your corner.
“So it’s no surprise that we found that 40% of global travellers expect their travel agents to be on hand to problem solve and provide more recommendations.
“With a considerable amount of uncertainty and quarantine rules changing weekly, opportunities for travel agents to become invaluable and irreplaceable sources of information abound.”
The company suggested people’s desire to travel will remain undimmed next year and possibly be strengthened by Covid-19.
This should act as a driver to push the travel industry and local, regional and national governments to quickly innovate and make travel safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.
Amadeus surveys found that more than half (55%) of travellers would travel for 14 days or more, and 60% expect to take only a few trips a year – which suggests that if people travel, they may want to go all out.
“In 2020, we’ve all become a bit restless at home with time to fantasise about our next adventure. 2021 is the year to bring it to life,” the firm added.
“To make up for lost time, people are likely to gravitate to ‘big idea’ or ‘bucket list’ trips and looking to tick off those once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
“With added travel considerations, travellers will be looking for unique experiences, taking fewer flights but making those journeys count by staying longer and getting more out of their journey.”
Travellers also want to do good with a recent survey finding that 68% want the money they spend on travel to go back into the community.
Amadeus added: “In 2020 we had the time to reflect on what we missed – travel builds empathy, sparks connections, and creates friendships.
“Travel can also bring valuable economic development to remote communities and help travelers learn from unique cultures and different ways of life. In 2021, we’ll see travellers looking to recoup these benefits as quickly as possible and make up for lost time.
“In 2021, travelers’ wanderlust will be stronger than ever – it will be a year of renewal and reconnection.
“However, people will be more conscientious about how they travel – they’ll want to minimise the footprint of their journey, and make sure their presence is having a positive impact on their host destination.”