Revenge, Rebound, Revival
Will this happen is not the right question to ask, when will this happen is top of mind of not only the travel fraternity but also the travelers.

During the pandemic, we learnt of new nomenclatures or terms like quarantine, social distancing, lockdowns, which were unheard of. Coming to travel in particular, travel is definitely going to pick up but what’s revenge or rebound or revival in travel?

Humans love to travel, escape their daily routine and all this has been pent up for more than a year and a half. As the restrictions have been relaxed, we all have seen that people have been desperate to travel, albeit nearby places which are driving distances from their homes. 

There is a surge in domestic travel in the last couple of months and this has only been growing. With several countries opening up for vaccinated Indian citizens and when the flights commence, there would be a humongous demand for people to travel. To compensate for the cancellations of their plans or booking of their vacations just before COVID 19. This pent up urge to travel so much bottled up now will bring in the ‘revenge travel’. Soon.

Has this helped the travel agencies? Initially, probably not. As travelers preferred to book at hotels / resorts directly and drive down to nearby hill stations or beaches rather than go to their friendly neighborhood travel agent. However, this is soon changing and hundreds of travel agencies are getting not only queries but also bookings and this trend is only going to increase in the coming days.

One can cautiously say that, with travel reviving for domestic and some specific destinations abroad, things are only looking up for the travel trade. Within the next year, if there is ‘ revenge’ travel happening, it is believed that the 2019 figures of travel would be matched if not surpassed.

As a travel agency, what opportunities are available?

#1 Best time create your database 

      This is the best time to build your customer database, create a safe, secure way of not only building this database but also making the best use of it. To know more, you may book a free online demo here, learn on how it can help your business to grow.

#2 Booking domestic flights

     There has been a continuous growth in domestic flights travel and one can expect the same for international travel as well when it opens up soon. Book with your b2b aggregator flights like you have been doing always.

#3 Learn new skills

      I am sure you have learnt new skills during these lockdowns. However, never give up learning new skills in your entire lifetime. Apart from reading, I would recommend learning SEO and online marketing skills which would only help your growing travel business in the future. These are the skills which are a must for any industry.

#4 Sell offbeat destinations 

      Study on new, off-beat destinations which would also help you differentiate you from other travel agencies and also get you better margins.

#5 Changing rules & regulations

      Keep in touch with ever changing rules and regulations and be well informed from official sites. Do not rely on intermediaries or it may land you and your traveler in trouble.

#6 Covid Protocol for your customers

      Ensure that your travelers are safe and healthy. With vouchers and booking confirmations, you may also look at creating a branded safety kit which includes mace masks, sanitisers and face shields. While these would last only during their travel, this gesture would remain in  their memories forever.

#7 Remote Working, Nomads & Staycations

    This class of travelers has only leapfrogged during COVID and it is there to stay forever. Look into this new segment closely, it could be a big opportunity for your business.

#8 Learn more about Social Media

      97% of travelers share their travel experiences. Social posts inspire others to travel. Be where your customers are- social media that is!

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Narayan has been passionate about travel since childhood. He has travelled across India & 33 countries. He was the 1st civilian to travel on the highest motorable road in the world, the day it first opened for civilians on July 17, 1989, travelling solo on a RX 100 Yamaha bike from Bangalore. He has travelled 154,000 kms on this bike.

He has been in the travel industry since 1995, and loves to impart training & mentoring pro bono for youngsters looking for a career in travel, tourism & hospitality industry. Private foreign equity funds consult Narayan on his views and to understand the online travel space in India & the Middle East. He can be contacted on: narayan@innowayt.com