• The New World of Travel report explores the economics of travel, the changing psychology of travellers and what the future of travel should look like
  • Low cost carriers have fastest route to recovery, while business travel will require innovation
  • Travellers' appetite towards risk influencing travel decision-making process

LONDON - Leading travel marketplace Skyscanner has today released a new report titled 'The New World of Travel'. Bringing together extensive global flight search data and expert opinion, the report explores some of the most important travel and aviation trends impacting the sector right now.

Moshe Rafiah, Skyscanner's CEO said of the reports publication; "Where they are able and willing, travellers are pioneering new ways to explore the world. Whether it's shortening the timeframe in which they plan and take a trip, tackling complex risk assessments before deciding to travel, or expecting previously unseen levels of clarity to ensure confidence in their booking, the new shape of travel is emerging. As an industry we have a unique opportunity to not only help travellers navigate this new world, but to work collaboratively to ensure a swift, safe and sustainable recovery."

Global travel trends
One-way. Domestic. Within a month. Analysis of Skyscanner's data reveals three seismic shifts in the way travellers are searching for flights in 2020. Global searches for one-way travel peaked in March but continue to trend upward, with the share of searches in August growing by 11 percent compared to 2019*. Last month, the share of searches for domestic travel has increased* (13%) globally against a backdrop of changing travel restrictions. And amid ongoing uncertainty, travellers are looking to get away in much shorter timeframes with booking windows of under one week more popular this year than ever before (12% increase in share of searches compared to 2019).*

Economics of travel
24% of Europeans believe it is safe to travel internationally now, compared to 21% of travellers in the Americas and just 10% in Asia-Pacific. Search patterns for domestic, regional and international flights reflect this sentiment and point towards a multispeed recovery, tied to the global economy and driven by low cost carriers. Skyscanner's executives predict that LCCs will have the fastest route to recovery, owing to their business operations and point to point models. At the same time, the decline in business travel revenues for full-service carriers points to an uncertain future for this fare class and a need for innovation.

John Strickland, aviation expert and director of JLS consulting said, "Low-cost carriers have a cost base that allows them to offer competitive pricing which, when combined with creative ancillary revenues, means they're able to attract customers profitably where other carriers can't. The strongest LCCs also have the liquidity to survive for an extensive period - a year or more - even if most or all of their capacity is grounded. They are ready to jump in with new routes rapidly, wherever they see an opportunity, when other airlines cut back or fail. They have the advantage of wide geographic arenas of operation and can move capacity around opportunistically."

New shape of travel
Research reveals that sustainable travel concerns are no longer top of mind for many travellers. But as destinations previously suffering from overtourism begin to re-open, the sector has a unique opportunity to redesign old travel patterns and rearchitect the tourism industry for the benefit of local communities, the environment and travellers alike. Skyscanner is pioneering new ways to encourage more sustainable and meaningful trips, as the new shape of travel emerges.

David Goodger, Managing Director EMEA of Tourism Economics division of Oxford Economics comments: "Overtourism was a growing concern for many destinations in the years to 2019, however, this year's sharp fall in travel activity highlights the economic benefits that this activity supported. Demand is expected to return in coming years and should surpass 2019 levels again by 2024 in most destinations, albeit without a full return to pre-coronavirus growth trends. All stakeholders need to carefully consider the sustainable level of trave l activity for their destination balancing the revenue and jobs supported by the sector against overcrowding and environmental concerns."

Psychology of travel
A new, complex decision-making process has emerged amongst those willing to travel and it relates to their individual appetite to risk. Factors across five categories - health, financial, social, ethical and recreational are now top of mind. This is shaping a new demographic of travellers - male travellers are more likely to book than female (54%) and those with children are more likely to book than those without (55%) according to Skyscanner's COVID-19 traveller sentiment data.

Travellers are reacting in real time to the latest information about border and movement restrictions. In August when the UK government added Portugal to the country's safe travel list, bookings spiked over 2000% immediately following the announcement. 85% of travellers surveyed said they would be more likely to travel internationally if airport testing was in place. With health factors currently one of the biggest barriers to booking, restoring trust and confidence through clarity is essential for the sector's recovery.

The New World of Travel report includes expert commentary from:

  • Moshe Rafiah, CEO, Skyscanner
  • Stuart Middleton, Chief Commercial Officer, Skyscanner
  • Piero Sierra, Chief Product Officer, Skyscanner
  • Hugh Aitken, VP Flights, Skyscanner
  • Jo McClintock, Global Brand Director, Skyscanner
  • Jane Sun, CEO, Trip.com Group
  • John Strickland, Director of JLS Consulting and Aviation Expert
  • The Duke of Sussex, Founder of Travalyst

The full report is available here.

About Skyscanner Partners

Skyscanner is a global leader in travel connecting over 100m users in 180 markets and 30+ languages to more than 1200 flight, hotel and car hire partners every month.

Skyscanner's global audience provides unrivalled reach into geographies and deep insight into traveller search and redirect behaviour in almost every market. Skyscanner's app, desktop and mweb metasearch platforms offer next generation, best-in-class brand and performance capabilities to deliver on partners strategic priorities. Skyscanner is using the latest technology to build dynamic distribution and advertising solutions to connect businesses with highly qualified audiences, using real-time, actionable intelligence.

Founded in Edinburgh in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America. Skyscanner is committed to helping shape a more responsible future for travel in collaboration with our partners, so that every traveller can explore our world effortlessly for generations come.

For more information visit: https://www.partners.skyscanner.net/.

Skyscanner Limited. Registered in England & Wales (Company No. 04217916). Registered Office: Level 5, Ilona Rose House, Manette Street, London W1D 4AL. Skyscanner Private Limited. Registered in Singapore (Registration No. 201317279D). Registered Office: 30 Raffles Place, #28-02, 30 Raffles Place, Singapore 048622.

Stephanie Boyle
Group Head of Industry and Corporate Communications, Skyscanner
Skyscanner Ltd