102
The evolution of working patterns has had a profound impact on various facets of life, and travel has brought significant advantages. In line with Spring 2024 Global Traveling Emergency Services Sentiment and Safety Survey, hybrid and distant work models encourage more frequent travel amongst individuals and their networks. This trend is transforming the travel industry, resulting in growth exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Key statistics from the survey
- More travel resulting from distant work: Greater than half (59%) of respondents indicated that a distant or hybrid workplace model motivates them, their family and friends to travel more often.
- Business trips and distant work: Nearly a 3rd (30%) of survey participants reported traveling for work. Of those, 71% work remotely, either part-time or full-time.
- Growing expectations for business trips: There was a noticeable increase in business travel expectations of business travelers, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. In January 2024, only 11% expected business travel to exceed pre-pandemic levels. By April, that number had almost doubled to 21%.
Consequences for the tourism industry
Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Corporations, stressed that this alteration is a boon for the travel industry. The rise in travel is attributed to the pliability offered by distant and hybrid working models, enabling a seamless combination of labor and leisure. Richards explained, “It fosters soul-enriching travel,” where you’ll be able to balance work responsibilities with enriching travel experiences.
The role of employers
Employers also support the trend towards more frequent travel. A survey by Oxford Economics found that employers are encouraging distant and hybrid employees to travel, primarily for work, but in addition to satisfy employees’ travel desires. Sometimes called “FOMO Travel” (Fear of Missing Out) or “YOLO Travel” (You Only Live Once), this trend highlights how distant work allows individuals to reconnect with their personal and skilled networks while exploring recent places.
The brand new normal: Integration of labor and leisure
Combining work and leisure is becoming an increasing number of common. As Richards noted, vacations are not any longer nearly escaping from work. As an alternative, individuals are finding ways to mix work and travel, creating unique and versatile experiences. For instance, you’ll be able to check your emails in a hammock within the Maldives, take a break from video conferencing and log on in Rincon, or end your working day in Sweden and admire the Northern Lights.
Application
The outcomes of the spring 2024 global traveler sentiment and safety survey highlight the numerous impact of hybrid and distant working models on travel behavior. As people and their networks turn out to be increasingly motivated to travel, the tourism industry is experiencing strong growth, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The important thing aspects driving this trend are encouraging employers to travel and mix work with leisure. As distant and hybrid work evolves, so do the ways wherein people travel and experience the world.