In 2017, many events shaped global travel behaviors. In total, three hurricanes struck in 2017, hitting Texas, Florida, the Caribbean, and Puerto Rico. As a result, many regions in the Caribbean are incapable of receiving tourists and might remain so well into 2018. Puerto Rico, for example, is still focused on the recovery process.
Tourism has historically provided essential funds for these locations, and the lack of tourism-related income renders the natural disasters a double tragedy. California's wine country and parts of Los Angeles have also been incapacitated by wildfires. Travelers are reassessing their travel destinations to include New Zealand, Bermuda, and Los Cabos.
Larger signs of class disparity and poor customer service are ruining many fliers' experiences. 2017 saw many reports of nasty passenger treatment, seat shrinkage from Jet Blue Airways Corp (NASDAQ: JBLU), and the introduction of a humiliating policies by British Airways making it so that "those who pay the least for their tickets... get to board last." While those who pay the least will now be publicly castigated, luxury class fliers are being pampered like never before. Qatar Airways Co. and Emirates Airline have upgraded their premium cabin configurations to increase size and amenities beyond what first class boarders have previously enjoyed. On the other hand, hotels are also enabling more customization options for luxury travelers.
Cruise lines have extended publicity efforts to younger demographics, gradually changing their image as catering mainly to retirees. More ships equipped with "expedition class" facilities are making destinations to far-flung, more adventuresome locales, like Arctic territories. Cruises are improving their dining and entertainment experiences. It is expected that major cruise lines will compete for innovative entertainment technologies in 2018.
2017 also saw an uptick in the "tech detox" phenomenon, a trend that is expected to continue into 2018. Travel agents in 2017 promoted remote destinations like Antarctica and the Maldives and advertised unplugged experiences in Nepal and South Africa. New programs in holistic wellness for mind and body are crowding out typical massages and facials at companies like Four Seasons Hotels Ltd. (NYSE: FH) and the Seabourn Cruise Line (NYSE: CCL). New vacation programs organized around the concept of sleep-related therapy are also increasingly commonplace. On a related note, the ills of conventional tourism are becoming better known. New policies aim to protect landmarks and historical sights, with a heavy slant towards sustainability.
Increased nationalism and a corresponding increase in closed borders have resulted in barriers for travelers. Trump's travel ban keeps out visitors from eight countries, including "six with mostly Muslim populations". With these policies comes "enhanced security and screening," and laptop bans. Europe will terminate its visa-free travel policy by March 2018, and Trump is working to install new rules for inbound tourists. 2018 will see further developments in the groundwork laid in 2017.
Other general 2017 travel themes Japan topping the list of non-traditional spots for family travel, longer trips becoming more en vogue, and trips selling out earlier, with some travelers having to book one to two years in advance.