According to a synthesis by Federterziario and based on Eurostat and Citi Research data, the Coronavirus could have a total impact of 3.6% of Italy's annual GDP. Source: federterziario.it
But what are the forecasts for 2021?
Much will certainly depend on the progress of the vaccination campaign and the new health & safety systems. The good news is that in general tourists have never stopped dreaming of Italy as a destination for their next vacation. However, it is very likely that the choice will increasingly focus on Last Minute type trips . According to some surveys, such as those described by Data Appeal Company , it has emerged that most people prefer to book at the last minute without incurring any cancellations or postponements of plans. An understandable choice but one that will push hoteliers and owners of vacation homes to change their organizational habits. In fact, if until 2019 there was a lead time (the time between booking and departure) of around 3-4 months, today people prefer to wait until the last minute before making any type of reservation.
Travel close to home with destinations away from the crowds
The concept of social distancing that has now become consolidated in the common life of each of us, also leaves its mark on tourism. It is very likely, in fact, that this year the most popular destinations will be far from overly urbanized centers and instead pleasant places where you can relax and regain energy will be favored. Furthermore, the most used means of transport will be the train and the car, and this leads us to think about how the tourist of 2021 will choose destinations close to home, perhaps even within their own Region.
More flexible insurance and cancellation policies
One aspect that certainly should not be underestimated is the one related to travel insurance policies. The new tourist, in fact, will seek as much as possible stay experiences with flexible cancellations. Therefore, it is advisable to propose flexible offers that reassure the traveler and let him choose without worries.
B&B Tips
So in the real hope that we can slowly return to the pace of before, here are some food for thought to best welcome your guests:
- Provide a more flexible cancellation policy , to reassure the traveler
- Promote yourself in your own territory: the 2021 destinations will not be far from home
