A recent online survey conducted was conducted in Germany, the US, and China investigating travel behaviour for the past 12 months as well as travel plans for 2021. Reflect a positive mood, the Survey findings showed that people are planning to spend more on travel again in 2021, with the end of the pandemic boosting long-term growth. Around 70 per cent of those surveyed in Germany, the US and China are thinking about private trips this year.
According to the report on the survey, about 37 per cent of Germans, 42 per cent of Americans and 66 per cent of Chinese are planning one or more trips. Close to 25 per cent of respondents in Germany and the US and over 35 per cent in China also believe they will spend more money on travelling over the next 12 months than during the same period to date. In China, there also appears to be significant pent-up demand for travel, where close to 50 per cent of interviewees think they travel more on an ongoing basis once the coronavirus pandemic has passed, compared with 25 per cent in the US and 17 per cent in Germany.
Those who are not planning to travel this year say this is due to the coronavirus pandemic. It comes as no great surprise that the pandemic still heavily influences holiday planning. However, it is worth noting that perceived personal safety on a trip weighs more than travel choices being restricted.
Almost 50 per cent of Germans not planning to travel in 2021 say they feel uneasy about taking trips during the coronavirus pandemic. In the US the corresponding figure is 34 per cent and in China even 56 per cent. By comparison, only 23 per cent of German respondents, 21 per cent of Americans and 45 per cent of Chinese state travel restrictions as to their reason for staying at home. Thus, tour operators this year face the challenge of instilling a sense of safety and well-being among their customers.
A closer look at people’s travel plans in 2021 shows a preference for beach holidays in all countries, with 34 per cent of Germans, 36 per cent of Americans and 42 per cent of Chinese considering them. However, for 37 and 42 per cent of Germans and Americans respectively, visiting family and friends comes first, whereas for 49 per cent of Chinese city breaks are most important.
Regarding long-term plans for the future, 35 per cent of German respondents, 38 per cent of Americans and 50 per cent of Chinese believe their travel behaviour will change long-term. Among those who say their travel behaviour will change in the long run, 76 per cent of Germans, 77 per cent of Americans and 88 per cent of Chinese agree with the statement.
In addition to their private travel plans, interviewees were asked about possible business trips. In contrast with private trips, the findings on business travel point to a downward trend. In Germany, only 27 per cent, in the US 34 per cent and China 51 per cent of respondents are planning business trips in 2021.
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