Post-pandemic Travel Trends: What’s Next For Travel In South Africa
The past two years have been tough. With the COVID-19 pandemic restricting travel and keeping people indoors, many have been left feeling a little stir-crazy (present company included). Now that the world is slowly opening up again, people are seizing the opportunity to travel.
South Africa - and specifically Cape Town - is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. And it's no surprise, with its stunning natural beauty, cosmopolitan cities and diverse culture. Whether travellers want to explore the country's diverse wildlife, take in the spectacular scenery, or soak up the vibrant nightlife, there's something for everyone. So, what travel trends can the country expect at the tail-end of the pandemic? We break them down below:
MICE is back on the table.
The MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) sector was one of the first to be affected by the pandemic, with events being cancelled or postponed en masse as the virus spread around the world. The sector has been further impacted by the various travel restrictions that have been put in place.
Following the eagerly-anticipated news that the final lockdown restrictions in South Africa have been lifted, the MICE sector is now able to get back to business. This is a huge relief for businesses in this field that have been struggling to stay afloat. With the lifting of restrictions, businesses are now able to start planning and hosting events again, which is a major boost for the economy and a fantastic incentive to travel to South Africa.
Hotel prices are down and benefits are looking up.
Hotels are making room for travellers looking to get a good deal on accommodation prices. In order to stay competitive, hotel groups are offering more to those who join their rewards and loyalty programmes. The benefits of these programmes include discounts on rooms, access to exclusive amenities, and points that can be redeemed for free stays. By becoming a member of one of these programmes, travellers can save money and enjoy a better overall experience at their chosen hotel.
At Neighbourgood, our model means our members have access to our coworking and coliving spaces with all the perks that come along with each space (fast WiFi, a few loadshedding-free locations, good coffee, member-only events, and good vibes). Our short-term stays are booming, too, with nomads flocking to us from every corner of the globe. It helps that most people can stay in SA, visa-free, for two months.
Sustainable travel is in the spotlight.
The younger generations of travellers, made up of Millenials and Gen-Zs, are looking for brands that demonstrate corporate and social responsibility, and that genuinely embrace environmentally responsible practices. These travellers want to offset their carbon footprints and choose service providers who can meet their criteria for responsible tourism. They are also mindful of their impact on the planet, and they want to make sure that their travel plans are in line with their values. Whichever way they do it, travel is back on the agenda and, with it, the desire to meet the needs of all types of travellers.
Key takeaway:
As the world continues to change, so do the needs and expectations of travellers. Tourism operators need to be aware of these changes and adjust their offerings accordingly, in order to keep people travelling.
South Africa is particularly well-positioned to take advantage of the global appetite for travel. With its diverse landscape and attractions, there is something to appeal to everyone. It’s clear that the world is eager to travel, with tourism operators stepping up to adapt to the changing needs of the modern traveller post-pandemic.