What will the future travel industry look and feel like?

This is the question on every single traveller’s mind. Whether it is people who work in the industry, those who support it – or anyone who love to travel.

As we navigate a new way of social living, with plenty of time to reflect, we can’t help but wonder what lies ahead of us.

However, rather than expecting the worst, simply because we don’t have clarity on what is to come, why not think of the best possible scenario?

There will undoubtedly be changes to our industry, as with other sectors that have had to adapt and pivot their strategies.

But rather than grieve for what we may no longer have, why not look towards what we may create?

Isn’t it positive that people will now look to travel, explore and connect for purpose rather than just ticking off a checklist of ‘must-see’ destinations around the world? Or how people will grow accustomed to transformational trips that will allow their minds, bodies, and the planet and its other non-human inhabitants to breathe more with purpose?

Also isn’t it optimistic that people are now looking for hotel partners or destinations that mirror their own sustainable values through limited waste, partnerships with local food suppliers, local tour guides, and CSR support for local communities that they can also contribute to?

To me, the answers to the above questions are incredibly liberating.

For any of us who love to travel, we have a responsibility towards ourselves, our families and friends, and the nature to change our travel habits.

It’s time to ask ourselves how our trips – whether for pleasure or work – impact the world around us, how we can continue to connect in such a quality manner, but not abuse the planet, our economy, and indeed our own limited time.

We should also be considerate of lasting changes we can make to our own lifestyles away from travel – travelling more by foot, bike and public transport where possible; adapting our diets to use more local suppliers and small businesses; using less single-use household items; and being compassionate towards each other due to changes in employment and health.

There is so much to learn and evolve post a pandemic.

Regardless of what change is apparent, we will return to work when we can open, ready to embrace the ‘new normal,’ building on a new and long-lasting future for the travel industry – and we greatly hope you will join us.

Aaron McGrath is the general manager of Six Senses Zighy Bay