According to a recent study by The Points Guy, 76% of potential travelers would be “as or more likely to travel to a destination or with a provider that requires proof of the COVID-19 vaccine (such as a vaccine passport).”
Nearly half (49%) are more likely — with 31% much more likely — to travel to a destination or with a provider that requires proof of vaccination, while 26% of respondents say it would have no impact on their travel plans.
"For many Americans, COVID-19 vaccines are the key to restarting travel,” said Melanie Lieberman, senior travel editor at The Points Guy. “Destinations that are requiring proof of vaccination, and travel providers that have a similar requirement, seem to be giving potential travelers a stronger sense of safety, which will make many people feel more confident about booking future travel.”
And while it's still not clear whether vaccine passports will be required for summer travel, the research answers some of the top questions the travel industry has regarding consumer sentiment on this topic.
Are Potential Travelers in Favor of Getting Vaccinated for COVID-19?
According to the research, 74% of those with a desire to travel are likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine or are already vaccinated.
Do Vaccinated Travelers Prefer Destinations That Require a Vaccine Passport?
Most currently vaccinated travelers (67%) say that they are more likely to travel to a destination or with a provider that requires a vaccine passport.
What About Potential Travelers Who Don’t Want to Show a Vaccine Passport?
The 34% of respondents who want to travel but are less likely to choose a destination or provider that requires proof of vaccination cite privacy concerns (64%), safety/health concerns (46%) or some other reason (18%).
What Are Considered to Be the Safest Places to Travel After Getting Vaccinated?
Potential travelers who have gotten, or plan to get, the COVID-19 vaccine say they would feel safe traveling to the following places: a state or national park (70%), a public beach (59%), a big city (50%), a resort (45%), a theme park (32%) and a cruise (20%). Just 8% would not feel comfortable traveling to any of them.
Which Generation Is Most Likely to Get Vaccinated?
Baby boomers (ages 57–75) and Gen Xers (ages 41–56) with a desire to travel are slightly more likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine or are already vaccinated compared to younger counterparts (79% and 75%, respectively, vs. 70% of younger generations).
Who Do Travelers Hope to Travel With Once Vaccinated?
Forty percent of potential travelers who are likely to be vaccinated or have already received the vaccine say they are most likely to travel first with their significant other or spouse. Other travel partners include immediate family members (30%, i.e., parents, siblings, children, etc.) and friend(s) (13%), followed by extended family members (5%), strangers (i.e., group trip, 2%) and coworker(s) (1%). Only 8% hope to travel solo.
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