A recent survey by IHG Hotels & Resorts reveals “how much people are longing for human connection, to be with their loved ones, and to make new memories”.

As per their research, around 60 percent of survey respondents said they cancelled up to four trips (leisure and business) last year whereas more than half of the travellers surveyed said they have considered rebooking their cancelled trips or plan to rebook them.

The report stated the roll-out of vaccines is igniting hope and optimism, as respondents across all age groups, 18 to 55+, say “spending time with family and friends is a primary motivator for travel this year.”

Key highlights from the survey: 

  • One in five respondents said they plan to make up for the lack of travel in 2020 by going on more trips in 2021.
  • One in five said they hope to travel to a place on their bucket list in 2021, with that being true for one in three travellers aged 18 to 24.
  • Younger travellers are five times more likely to say volunteering for a community in need was a primary motivator for travel.
  • One in three surveyed said going to restaurants and trying new foods has the most positive impact on their vacations.
  • Over a third of all those surveyed, including 50 per cent of those 55 and older, said they plan to hold off traveling until the Covid-19 vaccine is more widely available

Commenting on the survey, Claire Bennett, chief customer officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts said:

“It’s often said that travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer, and our survey results prove that people are hungry for those rich experiences again. But the world has changed, and travel decisions must be made more thoughtfully. As we look ahead, we’ve all had a lot of time to think about what travel means to us, what trips are most important, and how we want to reconnect with loved ones.

“So, whether it’s that longed-for family beach vacation, a weekend getaway with friends, your first in-person business meeting, or a special anniversary trip – our family of 16 brands is ready to help open up the world when the time is right and welcome travelers back with confidence, as we embark on the next chapter of travel.”

ihg.com