The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the travel and tourism industry hard. The stay-at-home orders and restricted movements have halted many travel operations. Also, people have chosen not to compromise their health brought about by the novel coronavirus threat. For this reason, traveling is the least of their priority.
But as the pandemic restrictions have gotten lighter this year, many travel businesses have slowly gotten back to normal. Individuals and families have started thinking of traveling for their physical and mental health. Surprisingly, new business trends in the travel industry have emerged despite the pandemic.
If you’re looking for travel business ideas to venture in during this pandemic, here are some of these:
1. Airbnbs for Family Staycations
“Staycations” have become a buzzword in recent years. Individuals and families have long been renting spaces to travel and stay in an ideal place away from home.
During this pandemic, home isolation can be physically draining and mentally taxing. People need to have a change of environment to have some physical activities and refresh their minds.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to provide Airbnb rentals to individuals and families looking to have a staycation somewhere. However, make sure that the rented spaces are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized. Such a business idea can be best during this pandemic!
2. Hotels and Lodges for Workcations
If there’s a staycation, there’s also what we call “workcation.” This term is perfect for digital nomads like online freelancers and remote employees. In recent years, these people have been traveling around the world while working in remote locations.
During this pandemic, many businesses have adopted the work-from-home (WFH) policy. Employees have to stay and work in the comfort of their homes, which can be tedious and daunting.
Having workcations can be a perfect solution. Entrepreneurs must consider opening or repurposing their hotels and lodges for workcations. The rooms and spaces must be conducive for working with a stable internet connection and other resources.
3. RV Sales and Rentals for Road Trips
Road trips have always been popular, even with or without the pandemic. A year since the pandemic outbreak, many individuals have gotten into road trips. As international travel restrictions have become apparent, people have resorted to traveling by land instead.
As such, recreational vehicles or RVs for sales and rentals have dramatically soared. That said, it’s a good idea to venture into the RV business. If you have a fleet of RVs, consider selling them or have some vehicles rented for travel and leisure.
4. Private Jet Charter for Flying
There’s no denying how the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the aviation industry hard. Think of the lockdowns last year and the ongoing travel restrictions this year. As a result, business executives, affluent individuals, and frequent travelers have relied on private jet charters.
For this reason, private jet charters have soared during the pandemic. As a private entrepreneur or investor, consider providing flights to a wealthy clientele. The goal is to suffice their needs for traveling and make private aircraft more accessible, efficient, and even affordable amid the pandemic.
5. Campsites for Glamping
Camping has always been fun and exciting for many individuals and families. Even before the pandemic, “glamping” or glamorous camping has increasingly become popular. This year, many home-isolated families and individuals are looking to go camping.
It’s a good idea to venture into the glamping business. Consider constructing a campsite, providing RV rentals, and offering camping gear and accessories. This business can be thriving in the next few years. In fact, experts expect the glamping market to hit $4.8 billion in revenue by 2025.
6. Local Attractions for Local Tourists
There’s general hesitation towards international travel during the pandemic. What’s with the threat of the novel coronavirus and the travel restrictions and quarantine requirements in certain countries! That’s why people who are looking to travel this year choose to go ‘local’ instead. As such, there’s now an emphasis put on local tourism.
When it comes to the tourism business, entrepreneurs may consider opening or rehabilitating local attractions. Whether it’s as grand as a temple or as simple as a park, it must accommodate the needs of people to go outdoors. It’s best if you can provide accommodation and other valuable amenities for clients as well.
The COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t have to stop the travel and tourism industry. Sure, this sector might have taken a temporary hiatus during this pandemic. However, it will continue to operate and even thrive after the pandemic. For this reason, entrepreneurs must consider launching a travel business or recalibrate their existing ones. By doing so, they’ll cater to the travel needs of people while boosting their business profits. It’s a win-win!