Travel Industry: Dissecting the Global Impact and Strategies of Major Players

How Has Global Travel Been Impacted?

The global travel industry has been significantly disrupted by the convergence of social, political, economic, and especially health crises. The sector's nearly $8.8 trillion contribution to global GDP in 2018 had contracted by more than half by end of 2020, according to World Travel & Tourism Council. Aside from decreased consumer demand, the industry must deal with quarantines, travel restrictions, social distancing, and other measures that could fundamentally change travel norms.

Which Major Players Are Steering the Course?

Major corporations within the travel industry, including airlines, hotel chains, travel agencies, and online booking platforms have been compelled to develop novel strategies to stay afloat in these challenging times. Top market players like Expedia, Airbnb, Marriott, and American Airlines are doubling down on measures like capacity management, cost optimization, and increased emphasis on health and safety to maintain customer trust and business solvency.

What Strategies Are Being Applied to Mitigate This Impact?

To counter this downturn, travel industry leaders are focusing on short-term revenue streams, while making strategic investments to harness the long-term potential of untapped markets. Alongside traditional business restructuring, the companies are adopting artificial intelligence and data analysis to hone in on consumer behavior, thereby introducing customized offerings and interactive, immersive travel experiences. Moving forward, public-private cooperation among industry stakeholders will be key in rebuilding the global travel landscape.