The appetite for international travel is now at its highest point since the start of the pandemic, new research reveals.
Almost two thirds of consumers globally (63%) are planning a leisure trip in the next 12 months.
More than a quarter (27%) plan to take three or more trips over the same period.
The results come from a survey of more than 26,000 people across 25 countries conducted by YouGov for the World Travel & Tourism Council ahead of its 22nd global summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Travel brands and destinations that are more sustainable are preferred by 61%, while 45% will only spend their hard-earned money with brands that are socially and environmentally responsible, according to the poll.
Travellers from Australia are expected to be the world’s biggest spenders on international travel over the next 12 months, with travellers from Canada, Saudi Arabia and the Philippines also expected to spend more than others.
WTTC president and chief executive Julia Simpson said: “This global survey shows that international travel is back.
“As we kick off our Global Summit in Riyadh bringing together global travel leaders and governments from around the world, travellers are getting ready to explore the world again.
“The results of this global survey also show the growing importance of sustainable travel amongst consumers.”
According to the YouGov ‘global tracker’, the attractiveness and positive impression of Saudi Arabia as a destination continues to grow, with the highest scores across countries in the Gulf region, along with Indonesia, India, Malaysia and Thailand.