08/06/2020 - 18:38
- Clarín.com
- travels
Amid the unprecedented impact of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus in almost all orders, many yearn to meet again with one of their main passions: traveling. And what would that first trip be like, after this long pause imposed by the Covid-19?
A regional study carried out by the Despegar agency with user surveys of its platform showshow they are thinking about their next travel experience.
The focus on national destinations is a trend that is confirmed by this research. 58% of the Argentine respondents stated that their first trip will be to the interior of the country. Southern destinations , preferred by 37%; and the northwest , chosen by 23%, dominate the preference. Patagonia , Bariloche and Ushuaia are in the top of favorites.
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, another of the most chosen by Argentines when traveling again. (Archive)
What do you expect from that trip? Relaxation and disconnection are the main motivations. Knowing these destinations , which stand out for their natural beauty; visiting family and friends or simply because they like the place appear leading the answers of why take that trip.
As for the dates, a part of the Argentines (18%) aims to travel inland between October and November of this year, a similar percentage indicates that they would do it as soon as the quarantine ends, and 17% are inclined towards the second semester of 2021. However, there is a 22% that have not yet defined the times.
The funding will be a key aspect to make that coveted post Covid trip. Most respondents in the region stated that their payment method would be in installments by card , but in the case of Argentines, this option obtained the highest percentage, with 77%.
Disinfection on board an airplane: it remains the most chosen vehicle when traveling. (Delta)
The plane continues to be the most chosen travel option , with 50% of the responses , although there is a growing trend in terms of car travel. Most of them also affirm that they would travel as a couple (35%). As for accommodation, hotels -with special attention to sanitary protocols- are preferred by 38% , while 14% indicate that they would stay with a friend or family member.
“With this study we confirm, on the one hand, that the passion for traveling is intact among Argentines, and, on the other, that the recovery of the industry will begin with domestic tourism. This is very important because it has a revitalizing effect on regional economies. In addition, we also see the weight that financing has for travelers , as well as the flexibility for date changes and attention to health protocols , which we have identified as the major trends in post-pandemic tourism , ”said Paula Cristi, general manager of Take off for Argentina and Uruguay.
Despegar's research covered 1,141 final responses through an online self-administered semi-structured questionnaire , conducted anonymously and confidentially. It was applied to Despegar buyers over 18 years of age.