May news
The key news for me this month is that I have had jab #2 which doesn’t mean I can go anywhere different, but it does make me feel a bit better/safer. Thanks to new rules in the UK, I have even been inside a pub, been into a restaurant and even got a haircut!
The UK vaccine roll-out is leading the way globally with 54% of the population having their first jab and over 30% having their second. The USA is on 47%, Canada is at 45%, Germany is on 36% and the Scandi countries are all just under 30%. These figures are for total population, so the numbers work out much higher for 18+ age. Australia and New Zealand continue to struggle with vaccine roll-out as they sit on under 1% for Australia and 5.5% for New Zealand. See here for detailed data on all countries https://ourworldindata.org/coronavirus
The UK lockdown easing has also allowed travel to a small list of destinations, many of which are not allowing UK visitors so a bit redundant, see list here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52544307. The clear winner is Portugal with huge demand already, we are not even 24hours into the new rules! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57138371 and confidence is high for summer breaks in general https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57140763
Unfortunately, there is still very little customer confidence of being able to visit Australia/NZ this year or even early in 2022 so enquiries and bookings are suffering. Demand for long haul holidays is exceptionally high but confidence is still low. Australia, New Zealand, Canada and to a lesser extent USA would be prospering due to the consumer shift towards holidays in more rural environments and health/environment conscious customer growth. All products and destinations need to push their environmental/sustainability credentials as well as healthy + rural strengths as much as possible. There is huge pent-up demand so make sure everyone knows all about your great features and any changes or new products.
I hope you are all well and keeping safe.
keith@tailormaderepresentation.com or phone +44 77699 71217
Keith Marsh
Tailor Made Representation – Helping you connect.