Chris Torres of TMA Reveals 79% of Tourists Will Book as Soon as Restrictions are Removed

GLASGOW, Scotland, Feb. 23:A recent study of 2,000 tourists conducted by the Tourism Marketing Agency throws light on their desires and temperament for 2021 and beyond. As the travel industry remains one of the worst affected segments during the worldwide pandemic, data from this study reveals the pending explosion of bookings as soon as restrictions are removed. This is positive news for the industry, but only if the small businesses that trigger the tourism segment can survive this year. A companion survey by the Tourism Marketing Agency of over 500 tour operators highlighted the need for government support. A shocking 39% of tour operators around the world have received absolutely zero financial support from their governments during this crisis. For those who have managed to hang on through restrictions, lockdowns, and very real consumer fears, there is — finally — cause for optimism in 2021. Some key findings from the traveller survey include: 79% of respondents plan to travel as soon as travel restrictions are lifted — regardless of the prevalence of vaccine rollouts. Younger travellers (aged 18-34) are the most eager to travel internationally, with 52% wanting to cross borders in 2021 if restrictions are lifted. But 60% of travellers aged 35 and over want to only travel domestically, even if restrictions are lifted. 34% of travellers aged 54 and over say they plan to travel internationally less often than they did before the pandemic. This is traditionally a major market, especially for countries in Europe, so this could indicate a larger, more permanent shift for the travel industry. The cruise industry is NOT dead. When travel is an option, 18% of respondents are most looking forward to taking a cruise. For reference, this percentage is twice the number of travellers looking forward to taking a traditional bus/coach tour. "The travel industry employs 1 in 10 workers globally and accounts for over 10% of global GDP," said Chris Torres, Founder and Director of Tourism Marketing Agency and lead researcher for this survey. "The demand is pent up and ready to explode, but the industry is still struggling to stay alive. Giving hope to small operators who are clinging on is great, but financial support for the sector is critical to keeping people employed and businesses open."