16 travel trends you need to know for 2016
2015 was a huge year for travel and 2016 is going to be even bigger!
Here are 16 travel trends you can expect to shape the travel industry in the New Year.
1. Dollar Value
Exchanhge rate can move up and down dramarically with world events. While not a reason to cancel a trip in and of itself, it’s something to keep your eye on.
2. Selfie sticks
While many of the world’s leading galleries and concerts have cracked down on selfie sticks, by all accounts these odd contraptions aren’t going anywhere soon.
3. Dynamic currency conversion
DCC allows you to choose whether you pay in local currency or New Zealand dollars, which may sound handy but can actually add an entirely new layer of fees to your restaurant or hotel bill.
4. Climate change
Mother Nature is set for a tough one in 2016, which could wreak havoc on many of the world’s most beautiful attractions through melting glaciers, rising seas and coral bleaching.
5. Travelling demographics
Like wine, travellers are getting better with age! Kiwi's are headed overseas in greater number than ever led by the 65 to 74 age bracket, which has increased steadily over the past eight year.
6. Terrorism
Unfortunately, this is something we’re going to have to be mindful of when travelling in 2016. Another reason to never head overseas without travel insurance.
7. Volcanos
Another reason to make sure you’re properly insured when headed. Volcanic eruptions in Indonesia in 2015 led to grounded flights and brought misery to tourists stranded in Bali.
8. AirBNB
Expect this area of accommodation to expand as travellers increasingly seek out ways to explore a strange, new city yet still feel as though they’re part of the furniture.
9. Feedback fatigue
You’re going to have to be at your best to avoid feedback forms in 2016, and expect to be mercilessly prodded for details by your accommodation.
10. Increasing Chinese tourism
In 2015 Australia welcome 928,000 visitors from China (an increase of almost 22 per cent over the previous year). Expect these numbers to keep growing!
11. Bigger, better, glitzier cruises
It’s going to be a big year for cruising in 2016 as well, with a range of cruise ships launching next year including the 227,000 tonne harmony of the Seas (set to be the world’s largest).
12. Immersive travel experiences
2016 is also going to be the year of the immersive travel experience with the internet making it easier than ever to get into contact with real local experts, artist and craft workers.
13. Underwater travel
Hawaiian operator Atlantic Submarines is offering submersible cruises that take you down to a depth of 30 metres, and this trend could be set to continue in the New Year.
14. Venetian cruises
Lovers of Venice will be pleased to learn about considerations regarding an alternate route to the city’s cruise terminal to avoid ships sailing pas St Mark’s Basin.
15. More tourists
The number of international tourists worldwide has increased by almost 50 per cent compared to this time last year, and expect bigger crowds in 2016 as everyone gets in on the action.
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