WYSE Travel Confederation publishes new research report: The Youth Travel Industry and COVID-19

The World Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation announced the release of a new publication titled The Youth Travel Industry and COVID-19 .

This report provides a summary of survey results derived from the WYSE Travel Confederation COVID-19 Travel Business Impact Survey for the period March – August 2020. The monthly survey asks travel and tourism businesses questions concerning the impact that COVID-19 is having, and is predicted to have, on their business. The six-month review addresses findings related to core questions that were repeated across the monthly surveys, namely:

Changes in demand

Top concerns and actions taken in response to COVID-19

Messaging to consumers

Business outlook for 2020 and 2021

Recovery forecast.

WYSE Travel Confederation’s research has consistently indicated that young travellers:

Stay longer and spend more than average tourists

Attract visiting family and friends to a destination

Support local businesses by spending with unique and independent providers of accommodation, hospitality, retail goods, and services

Book tours and activities that provide "local" experience and knowledge of a destination

These characteristics represent powerful potential for social and economic recovery for tourism destinations – ones that government and other travel and tourism industry stakeholders should not overlook.

The report concludes by highlighting the interconnectedness of different types of businesses dealing in youth, student and educational travel and some important issue areas for all active in the industry to monitor in the coming period.