Travel Forecast for 2022

Happy New Year to our travel advisor partners! 

As we enter 2022, it’s clearer than ever that travel advisors are invaluable to the businesses of the USTOA tour operator members.  Based on the recent survey of United States Tour Operators Association tour operators on the future of travel in 2022, nearly nine out of 10 members plan to utilize travel advisors to generate sales as they resume business. Three fourths of members (76%) report that travel advisors play a very important or important role in their businesses in 2022, and 89% expect business booked by travel advisors to increase or maintain the same in the new year.

Key travel trends and top destinations for 2022 were also gathered from the survey. Small group tours are the most popular travel product for 2022, followed by FIT travel, private groups, classic group tours with 25+ passengers, river cruising, and small ship cruising. Ocean cruising for medium to large ships rounded out the list.

Looking ahead, sustainable and responsible travel was ranked as the travel trend that will have the biggest impact on travel over the next ten years. USTOA tour operator members recognize how important the adoption of sustainable travel practices is for building a viable, long-lasting future for tourism.

When asked about the top three international destinations travelers are booking for 2022, Europe continued to have a strong presence, with the final top three:

1. Italy
2. France & Greece (tied for second)
3. Ireland

On the home front, tour operators report that travelers are gravitating towards locations with wide-open spaces. National Parks were named the top domestic destination for 2022. This question is traditionally asked in our annual survey as a write in response, and there was an overwhelming number of members who named National Parks as the top choice, across multiple states. Alaska followed in second with Hawaii in third.

Safety and wellness are a top priority for USTOA tour operators, and it’s ranked as the strongest influence on consumers when choosing a destination in 2022. Border reopening/government travel restrictions will have the second strongest influence on travel destination decisions, followed by value, distance/ease of travel to and from destination, state department travel alerts, and outdoor components. Sustainable tourism practices were named as having the least influence.

Planning a trip to a popular (and sometimes busy) destination can be stress-free with a USTOA tour operator. Tour operators offer affordable options, unparalleled access to otherwise exclusive attractions, guidance from local tour directors, and peace of mind with 24/7 support. Plus, when you book your client’s trip with a USTOA tour operator, the vacation is protected under the $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.

While the travel and tourism community underwent a myriad of changes in 2021, this new year will be full of new opportunities for growth. Nine out of ten members (93%) anticipate growth in sales in 2022.

Our valuable travel advisor partnerships are essential in this year’s rebuilding of the industry, and for that, we are extremely grateful.

About the Author

As president and CEO of USTOA, Terry Dale is a global leader in travel and tourism. A sought-after speaker addressing travel and leadership audiences around the world, he serves as an advocate and ambassador for USTOA and the industry at large. He is guiding USTOA “50 years forward” focusing on the most pressing issues of sustainability and DEI during the association’s milestone 50th anniversary year.