2020 Predicted as the Boom Year for Tourism

In recent years, traveling has not just been as a form of leisure but has become a sort of investment especially among Millenials. Thanks to the influence of digitalization, and globalization, most young adults are trading career and family life to plane tickets and picturesque sceneries. As the decade draws to a close, survey from the United Tour Operators (USTOA) shows that exponential growth and good sales are the expected travel trends for 2020.

Seeing The Boom Year 

Based on the association’s survey results, as much as 82 percent of tour operators anticipate growth in sales for 2020. In fact, 45% or almost half of the respondents see it as the “boom year” with expected growth from 7 to 10 percent or even higher. 

This positivity might be a result of good sales in 2019 as 69% say that they have seen an increase for this year, with half of the respondents saying they have enjoyed a 10 percent increase in sales or higher. 

The growth in tourism also affects all aspects of travel including the airline industry as 67% claimed a steady growth in the number of passengers for 2019. 

So what are the key reasons for this exponential growth? 

One-third of the respondents said that this might be attributed to better and improved marketing strategies- and in an era of Facebook and Instagram, marketing on a global scale has never been this easy (and cheap!). On the other hand, infrastructure projects, travel agency’s expansion in their portfolio of products, and new programs have also contributed to the sales growth. 

The Next Top Travel Destination

Based on the survey, the picture-perfect city of Italy remained the most popular destination for travelers in 2020. While the island might expect an influx of tourists for the new year, there are also emerging destinations for those who want to take the off-beaten path. 

For travel advisors, the wealth of history in Egypt plays a key role in being named as the top emerging destinations. “Egypt topping the list is the epitome of a destination comeback story. It reinforces a strong return in popularity and demand among travelers, after several challenging years.” Terry Dale, President, and CEO for USTOA said. 

Croatia and Columbia also follow as one of the emerging destinations, as well as  Slovenia, Thailand, Vietnam, Morocco, and Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, the next “hot” destination for 2020 is listed as; France, Spain, Greece, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Germany, and South Africa.

On the other hand, if you are looking for local top spots, respondents list California as one of the most popular destinations, followed by New York, Florida, Nevada, Arizona, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Expected Problems 

While there is a steady increase in sales, the next year’s presidential election might have a strong influence on traveler confidence. Another key factor that might affect the tourism industry is the recession, especially with the looming global financial instability. 

For the next year, travel advisers see that tourists are not only after visiting places and frequenting gift shops but as well as having that authentic local experience. In fact, local immersion, small groups/small ships and uncharted destinations were identified as the next top travel trend to look out for in the next five years.