The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has
published the results of a new global consumer survey that shows
appetite for international travel is currently at its highest
point since the start of the global COVID19 pandemic.
According to the survey of more than 26,000
consumers from 25 countries, 63% are
planning a leisure trip in the next 12 months.
The
survey, conducted for WTTC by YouGov, also reveals that the appetite to travel shows no signs of
slowing, with more than a quarter (27%) of consumers planning
three or more trips over the same period.
Travellers from Australia will
be the world’s biggest spenders when it comes to international
travel over the next 12 months, with jet setters from Canada,
Saudi Arabia, and Philippines also expected to spend more than
other travellers from around the globe.
According
to the YouGov ‘global tracker’, the attractiveness and positive
impression of Saudi Arabia as a destination continues to grow,
with the highest scores across countries in the Gulf region, along
with Indonesia, India, Malaysia and Thailand.
“This global survey
shows that international travel is back. As we kick off our Global
Summit in Riyadh bringing together global travel leaders and
governments from around the world, travellers are getting ready to
explore the world again,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President &
CEO. “The results of this
global survey also show the growing importance of sustainable
travel amongst consumers.”
Almost two thirds of
those surveyed (61%) stated they prefer travel brands and
destinations that are more sustainable, whilst almost half (45%)
said they will only spend their hard-earned money with brands that
are socially and environmentally responsible.
