Alarm Bells Ringing

American travellers’ attitudes and travel planning is changing as a result of the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant according to Longwood International’s latest tracking study.

About a third of travellers have postponed travel specifically because of the Delta variant, up from a quarter of travellers two weeks ago.

The percentage of travellers who say that coronavirus will greatly impact their travel decisions in the next six months jumped from 21% a month ago to 34% in the latest survey.

Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International, pointed out that: “News of rising numbers infection, hospitalizations and deaths clearly is changing the perception of trip safety for some travellers.”

Eylon continued that “reports of so-called “breakthrough infections” among the vaccinated and increasing coronavirus cases among children may also be weighing on travel and travel planning.”

Support among travellers for opening up their local communities to visitors has plunged from 67% two months ago to 47% in the latest survey.

And the percentage of travellers who feel safe eating in local restaurants and shopping at local retailers has also declined, from 74% in late June to 60% in early August.