Pacific Asia travel should start to recover in 2023 but the damage of Covid lockdowns across the region is yet to “fully unwind”.
This year should be seen as one of “consolidation and recovery rather than one of celebration”, according to the chair of the UK and Ireland chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata).
Chris Crampton made the comments as the association issued its 2023 travel trends report, identifying travel agents as having more authority than ever following the pandemic.
The Pata survey of its 36 members, hoteliers and other stakeholders identified seven trends likely to shape travel in 2023:
- Explore More
- Keeping it Real
- Therapy Travel
- Bougie Breaks
- Linger Longer
- Into the Wild
- Agent Authority
Bougie Breaks are seen as an increasing demand for luxury travel.
Agent Authority reflects how travel agents in the post-pandemic world have taken on an even more complex role – “part psychologist, life coach, concierge, fixer, dream maker etc. wearing several hats when working with their customers,” according to the report.
“Travel agents have more authority than ever and we recognise how important it is to support them and educate them as much as possible to make their jobs easier and more profitable,” Pata added.
“With the continued pent-up holiday demand, growth continues despite cost-of-living concerns in the UK and throughout the world.
“Now people want more out of their holidays – they want experiential tours and to see more of the destinations and this is where travel agents are key to guiding holidaymakers in their holiday decision making.”
Agent training remains key as destinations and suppliers ramp up to promote their offerings after a “very tough” few years.
Crampton said: “We are expecting 2023 to show more of a return to normality and recovery but it remains the case that the damage of lockdowns is yet to fully unwind.
“Both on the air side and on the ground, suppliers are only now starting to see sustainable revenues return due to the lag between booking and travel.
“As a result, while forward trends can be seen to be positive, it is a year of consolidation and recovery rather than one of celebration.”
He added: “Amongst the trends identified by Pata, it is expected there will be a much greater level of multi-centre travel than in 2022, where border restrictions limited the logistical and practical arrangements until the latter half of the year, because dispersal both within destination and also across countries was heavily reduced.
“Getting out of the city and resorts, whether for the purposes of nature, wildlife, or just exploring away from the hotspots will return to the market.
“Not surprisingly, amongst the trends we’ve identified, the importance of the travel agent remains key.
“We will continue to help and support their agent partners as much as we can.
“We are always looking for new initiatives around how we interact with our agents to ensure that they are receiving the latest news and training from our members.”
Pata hosts its annual travel trade event on March 13 at The Guoman Tower Hotel in London.