Global tourists prefer sustainable travel products: Experts

Kochi (Kerala): Consumers' preference for environmentally sustainable practices, experiential travel, and a significant spending on self-care are the latest trends in the global tourism market, said experts at the 12th edition of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) here on Sunday.

During a seminar on 'Evolution in Tourism Trends' at KTM 2024 held at Willingdon Island here, they opined that efficiency and personalisation matter the most to travellers.

Commenting on the emerging trends, Dipak Deva, managing director, SITA, said sustainable travel products will influence choices of tourists, whose spending on self-care in the tourism sector is projected to quadruple by 2027.

According to him, travellers will prioritise experiential travel over daily luxuries and Gen AI is going to impact areas like developer efficiencies, customer support, reputation management and performance advertising of the industry.

"The growth is driven by the global pursuit of net-zero emissions and increased investments in carbon capture technologies. Europe is expected to be the largest market for carbon offsets during this period," Deva said.

Elaborating on global trends, he said families look to scenic retreats over urban adventures with panoramic beaches and countryside being the top choices. The popularity of solo travel has surged with Google's search for 'Solo Travel' doubling in 2023.

For Kerala, he suggested identifying new tourism destinations in each district to provide the vibe of experimental tourism to visitors.

Recalling his nascent days in the tourism sector, Cmdr. Sam, MD of Kalypso Adventure, said his company hardly had any template for the activities to be introduced in the adventure tourism sector in the state.

However, there are now myriad opportunities in the state to explore new trends in the adventure tourism sector and the local community can benefit from it, he pointed out.

Noting that Kerala has to cash in on its distinct culinary tradition, celebrity chef Siddiq Mohammed said the state has to create a comprehensive culinary guide for the tourism sector, besides incorporating gastronomic experiences into tourism activities.

"We need to develop culinary tours and water metro culinary cruises, and promote Ayurveda cuisines. Besides, traditional homes have to be promoted for providing personalised dining experiences for tourists and redefine the experience as 'God's Own Cuisine," he added.

E M Najeeb, MD, Great India Tour Company, was the moderator.

The expo, being held from September 26-29, is Asia's biggest tourism sector event that attracts stakeholders from around the world. As many as 347 stalls were put up by public and private entities.