The changing needs of Australian travellers as they emerge from lockdown

As the tourism industry re-opens and the travellers being to return to hotels, tours and destinations, ensuring that your business delivers on new expectations will be vital for longer term success. New to TEQ’s COVID-19 research dashboard is a consumer sentiment report from YouGov being updated weekly. The report highlights some new, and very important changes to Australian consumer behaviour and expectations when it comes to travel, including:

• Younger generations appear more comfortable to plan/book, want to take trips sooner and are willing to pay more for travel compared to older generations.
• An indication there may be fewer bookings through retail and online travel agents.
• Flexible booking options will be a key factor for consumers when booking travel in the future (83 per cent).
• On future travel behaviour, more than half (53 per cent) said they will ensure the destination has sufficient health safeguards in place.
• Almost half (47 per cent) will only stay at hotels/resorts that guarantee cleanliness.
• Visiting overnight with family or friends was the clear leader in how Australians would feel most comfortable travelling.

The research highlights the need for tourism experiences to consider how they can clearly and effectively communicate the efforts they are making to protect public health. This is important both to reassure travellers as they emerge and return to travel, as well as in making a positive impact on those Australian travellers who would have travelled overseas this year. By meeting expectations, Queensland’s tourism businesses have an opportunity to convert travellers into long-time repeat visitors.

This article by Hotel Management Magazine, while focused on hotels, has extensive suggestions for what businesses can implement, and then communicate to guests.
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