Pre-travel Covid-19 testing and vaccines
Updated: May 6, 2021
Over the course of the last few months, eager travellers have been closely monitoring country borders, air corridors and travel destinations as they dream of discovering new lands and cultures, going back to familiar destinations or visit family. 2020 will be a year that will no doubt live in our memories as the year we all took a step back, took stock of what was truly important and what decisions we would make in the years to come. The pandemic has given us more time with family and friends or has kept us apart but it has taught us to truly appreciate what we all took for granted.
With the introduction of pre-travel Covid-19 testing and the vaccines, we start to see a growing confidence from travellers to travel again to destinations boasting low Covid-19 cases where quarantine is no longer required. But the world hasn’t reopened just yet. A handful of governments have indicated they will ease entry restrictions for travellers such as Jordan, Bahrain, UAE, Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Georgia, Croatia, Montenegro, Estonia, Malta, Kenya, Tanzania.
Consumer behavior and priorities have changed. Pre-COVID-19, one of the top-quality criteria of one’s experience included interaction with staff. Today what customers are prioritizing is health and safety standards. Travel brands have to be honest and authentic whilst honoring the message that they communicate. The pandemic has proven that transparency has become the foundation for maintaining consumer trust going forward.
The trends we currently see are that travellers are opting for the outdoors, wellness and personalised holidays are also trending. These eager globe trotters value their own privacy in a space conducive to a healthy lifestyle specifically tailored to their own needs.
Closer to home, with EXPO2020 due to take place later this year, residents in the UAE are expected to spend some of their leave in the emirates to marvel at the many wonders this historic event will bring.
Staycations will continue to be popular as will short haul overseas breaks. Georgia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkey are predicted to be amongst the favourite destinations. As the latest addition to tourism for the UAE, #Israel will no doubt leave tourists marvelling at its markets, history, diving waters and culture.
The Maldives, Seychelles and Zanzibar will hold their ranks as the UAE’s most visited retreats for longer holidays.
With the introduction of pre-travel Covid-19 testing and the vaccines, we should see the reopening or air corridors and borders and a rise in tourism as people regain confidence in traveling.