Global tourism surging back on youth and senior demand: Trip.com
Soaring demand from youngsters and seniors is driving recovery in the global tourism industry, Trip.com Group reported on Thursday.
The international travel platform expects global tourism to return to 80% of pre-pandemic levels this year on the continuous rise in flight volumes.
Trip.com flight bookings in the first quarter of 2024 soared 100% higher than the same period last year, CEO Jane Sun said.
The rise was driven by surging demand among young travellers for short trips to attend events like concerts.
“The younger generation [aged 11-26] prefer travelling alone or in a small group as they are now confident in many countries’ security measures,” she said.
The group is also focusing on retirees who have leisure time and high purchasing power for travel.
Also on the rise is the trend of travelling solo and in small groups.
“Free independent travellers are unique as they tend to stay longer [than other groups of tourists],” said Ru Yi, assistant vice president of international markets (Asia-Pacific).
Tourism recovery faces headwinds however from restrictions including visa application delays and flight shortages, as well as geopolitical conflicts, the group said.
Sun said the group believes in travel as a tool to promote peace and prosperity among countries and territories.
Personalised trips, 5-star bargains
Sun said the group is focusing on customised experiences such as skiing and diving trips to encourage people around the world to travel both domestically and internationally.
Senior travellers are being lured with affordable low-season stays at 5-star hotels.
The group is also tapping the sustainability trend with low-carbon travel options, family-friendly policies and community revitalisation, aiming for a 50% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, Sun said.
AI-powered travel
Trip.com Group customers can now consult an AI chatbot on tourist attractions, itineraries, and other frequently asked questions. The chatbot boosts the personalised travel experience while reducing operation costs, said Trip.com co-founder and chairman James Liang.
The group is also developing an SOS service for emergency transfer of travellers affected by natural disasters or geopolitical conflict.
Founded in 1999, Trip.com Group boasts over 1.7 million accommodation listings, flight bookings via 600 airlines, and a network of over 90,000 partners including group tours, attractions and car rental providers.
