The travel sector was sailing in choppy waters for the last couple of years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Industry experts were thus anticipating leveraging the summer of 2022 to regain profits like the pre-pandemic levels. But then came the war. Operations of Airbnb were suspended in Belarus and Russia. Airbnb properties are seeing a surge in bookings in Ukraine, but for humanitarian purposes. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, bookings in Eastern Europe declined. But according to a report by Bloomberg, Western Europe is getting more bookings as compared to 2019. Here’s why.
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People Are Shifting Their Travel Locations
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people were not allowed to travel for long except for essential purposes. When travelling resumed, tourists were bound to follow a long list of safety protocols. Now various destinations are lifting COVID-19 related travel restrictions. People who were eagerly waiting to travel are thus shifting their locations instead of cancelling their trips. Thus, big travel companies like Airbnb, Booking and Expedia Group Inc. are expecting a rise in overall demand for summer travel. Also, a large number of people are booking properties in Ukraine to support the civilians with financial aid amid war.
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Many U.S. Travellers Cancelled Plans To Europe After War
Many U.S. travellers cancelled their plans to Europe after the war broke out. The number of flight bookings and property searches in Europe from the U.S. travellers also saw a dip after the war. However, many of them aren’t dropping their plans entirely. They are just shifting their destinations. After being home arrested for a long due to the pandemic, travellers are keen to embark on journeys. Thus, travel companies are witnessing booking surges.