SINGAPORE, Oct. 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sabre
Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), the leading technology provider to
the global travel industry, today released the results of an
APAC-wide study that compiles insight from over 500 travel
professionals. Looking towards 2020, here are five key trends
revealed by leisure travel consultants from over 24 countries
across the world's fastest growing region, Asia Pacific.
FOREVER YOUNG
With more content for travelers to choose than ever before, it
can sometimes be difficult to cut through the clutter. This means
that travel agents are more relevant than ever before, acting as
strategic allies for travelers on a quest to book the best fare,
and holiday. Travel professionals reveal that those aged between
35-50 make up close to 60% of their customer-base, proving that
despite the rise of online platforms meant to facilitate personal
bookings, there's nothing quite like having a professional to help
enhance the booking experience. What's more, a whopping three in
five respondents indicate that personalized requests are the main
reason why customers reach out, allowing them to create unique
packages that reflect each traveler's needs.
SILVER IS GOLDEN
The Asian population is quickly aging, with the region on track
to have the oldest population in the world in just a few
decades1. More than 40% of consumers served by travel
agents are over the age of 50, and over one third of those surveyed
identified that retirees are among their most popular customers,
just after families and couples. In fact, four in 10 agents confirm
that travel for groups of retired people is on the rise, with
packaged tours listed as the main reason why people over 50 reach
out to travel agents. A total of 46% of those included in the 50-69
branch, and close to 60% of the 70 and over age group request
packaged tours that include flights, hotel and transportation
bookings, with wellness or religious activities often being the
main reason for their bookings.
GREEN GIANT
Travel is a truly powerful tool, providing the ability to bring
people and cultures closer together. However, with tourism rates
continually rising from one year to the next, the ecological
footprint created by the travel industry cannot be overlooked.
Consumers in APAC are increasingly taking the environment into
consideration when making purchases and travel is no different.
Sabre's Traveler Trend Survey found that over 60% of travel
consultants identified a growing concern for the environment among
travelers. The survey also reveals that an impressive 70% of
travelers are asking for sustainable tourism options, and close to
30% are requesting for alternate modes of transportation. Sadly,
the survey also reveals that only 2% of leisure travelers across
Asia Pacific ask to purchase
carbon credits.
THE GENDER GAP
With solo travel growing year on year, the Sabre Traveler Trends
Survey discloses that in Asia, men
account for 10% more of the solo travel bookings than women. When
it comes to bookings, women tend to prefer travelling in groups.
However, when it's time for a couples' getaway, the survey reveals
that both parties do their part, with nearly 40% of both men and
women reaching out to their travel consultant to assist with the
booking.
ME, MYSELF AND I
As consumers across the board expect customization to be part of
their retail experience, a shocking 60% of respondents indicate
that personalization is the main reason why they are called upon to
book travel. Helping to fulfil the growing demands of those aged 34
and below to book their next sport and adventure travel, which
account for approximately 50% of group bookings, or simply to
identify better prices for their customers, travel consultants are
trained professionals who play a big part in making dreams come
true.
"As the leading technology provider to the global travel
industry, Sabre is pleased to support suppliers, airlines, hotels
and travelers with smart technology solutions that facilitate their
end-to-end journey," said Todd
Arthur, vice president, Sabre Travel Network Asia Pacific.
"As we look towards 2020 and continue to reimagine the future of
travel, Sabre is committed to the development of cutting-edge
innovation that allows travel consultants to better know and better
serve their customers. In a market as dynamic as Asia Pacific it is essential that travel
consultants leverage intelligent retailing practices and tools to
ensure they maintain their competitive edge, and fulfil their
business objectives," he added.
As the industry continues to evolve, both airlines and agencies
are looking to their technology providers to address the greater
need for personalization. Sabre has launched Sabre Red 360 – a
revolutionary platform that changes the way travel agents go about
doing business with their customers. As Sabre's smartest workflow,
Sabre Red 360 is transforming how travel agencies across the region
book travel, brand and build their offer to better cater to
traveler needs. With the roll-out in motion, and full-deployment
expected in 2020, Sabre connected travel consultants in
Asia Pacific will soon be equipped
with cutting-edge technology that has personalization at its core.
With Sabre Red 360, agents will be better equipped to face the
challenges brought on by the fast-changing travel landscape, and
turn these into profitable business opportunities that will ensure
their business success, now and in the future.
About Sabre Corporation
Sabre Corporation is the
leading technology provider to the global travel industry. Sabre's
software, data, mobile and distribution solutions are used by
hundreds of airlines and thousands of hotel properties to manage
critical operations, including passenger and guest reservations,
revenue management, flight, network and crew management. Sabre also
operates a leading global travel marketplace, which processes more
than US$120 billion of global travel
spend annually by connecting travel buyers and suppliers.
Headquartered in Southlake, Texas,
USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the
world.
1 lkyspp.nus.edu.sg
Media Contact:
Maxime-Elisabeth Illick
Sabre Public Relations Manager, APAC
+65 6426 0088
maxime.illick@sabre.com
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SOURCE Sabre Corporation