Travel in an endemic world

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Experts are predicting that COVID-19 is likely to morph into an endemic phase, with localized outbreaks like measles versus fast-spreading viruses that define global pandemics.


Vaccines, new treatments for those who fall ill and shorter recommended quarantine periods could also help tame the COVID-19 beast. That’s a win for travel.

A look at the U.S. Travel Association’s “Monthly Travel Data Report” from March shows travel’s resiliency in the face of the virus. U.S. travel spending during December reached $92 billion just 2% below levels during the same month in 2019 before the pandemic.

By the end of that month, the virus had sent nearly three times as many people to hospitals than in the middle of July.

Here’s more optimism from the U.S. Travel Association: More than 80% of American travelers are excited to travel in the next 12 months.

And 89% of businesses plan to send out travelers over the next 90 days.

These statistics tell me that, at this stage in the pandemic, travellers may be assessing their risks and booking anyway.

More For You

Before boarding a ship, you must provide proof of vaccination and show a negative test. Some restrictions, however, are easing.


The CDC recently lowered its warning status for cruise travel. The agency also changed its voluntary sailing order, a set of pandemic guidelines for ships that sail in U.S. waters.


Now passengers don’t have to wear masks on ships when at least 95% of crew members and passengers (over age 5) are vaccinated.

Despite travellers’ confidence and resulting strong bookings all this could change if the government enacts new measures for new outbreaks of COVID-19 variants.


In those cases, those in the travel industry should work closely with local officials to understand the restrictions and make their voice heard on how this will impact their businesses by, for example, advocating for fine-tuned action, such as travel restrictions for the unvaccinated versus a complete border closing.

Hopefully, we are near the end of COVID-19’s pandemic stage.

Let’s work together to keep travel safe.

« Back to Page

• Hospitality Sector Thrives: Nairobi Emerges as Hub for Growth at 11th EAPI Summit

• Singapore Airlines Group soars to new heights with dual wins at 2024 Air Transport World Awards

• Zhangjiajie expects rebound in tourists from South Korea this year

• Faith-based travelers key to Israel’s post-crisis comeback

• Thailand and China to waive visa requirements for each other’s nationals