Innovation key to travel recovery amid COVID-19 - Euromonitor International

 KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 -- Euromonitor International will explore how innovation would be the key to kickstart travel recovery, as businesses try to bounce back while digitalisation and sustainability accelerates.

According to the global market research company in a statement, the report titled ‘Accelerating Travel Innovation after Coronavirus’ will be presented virtually at WTM London on Nov 9.

The travel industry is showing resilience, agility and strength in times of adversity, and innovation is a key vehicle for adapting to the new normal and moving towards recovery.

To create a safer environment for travellers, the use of AI and automation accelerated, reinventing the customer journey.

Virtual experiences became popular with European cities introducing ‘off the beaten path’ virtual tours led by locals; while contactless and self-service, now commonly used, are reinforced with stricter hygiene and social distancing measures.

“Globally, over a fifth of consumers consider permanently shifting away from international travel with the desire to reduce carbon emissions and stay closer to home,” said Euromonitor International head of travel research, Caroline Bremner.

“This message is reinforced in regions such as Scandinavia and Europe, where 65 per cent of travel businesses in the Nordics are implementing a sustainability strategy, 10 per cent higher than the global average.”

-- BERNAMA