Text / Edited and Reported by the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department
As the year draws to a close, many people have already started planning their trips for 2019. Drawing on reviews and surveys from Taiwanese travelers aggregated by a leading hotel booking site, an analysis of the “Eight Major Travel Trends for 2019 among Taiwanese Travelers” has been conducted. Travel is no longer limited to sightseeing and pleasure — it also encompasses self-fulfillment and environmental protection. High-quality, in-depth mini-trips have also gained popularity among travelers.
East Coast Tribal Volunteer Holidays build bridges between tribes and volunteers. (Photo / East Coast National Scenic Area Administration)
1. Learning-Based Travel and Self-Fulfillment
Travel is no longer just about sightseeing; it also carries the deeper meaning of self-fulfillment and personal growth, as well as learning new things along the way. An increasing number of Gen Z travelers are seeking practical experience through internships, travel, and other means. Most Taiwanese travelers hope to acquire new skills by participating in cultural exchange activities, and among various types of learning-based travel, volunteer travel and work-and-travel programs are the most popular among Taiwanese travelers.
Travelers check themselves in independently. (Photo / ?x? Valley Green World Hotels)
2. Technology-Driven Travel Is Key
Modern people have busy schedules, so the convenience and practicality of trip-planning tools are crucial. For example, using apps to track luggage in real time or planning entire itineraries, transportation, and accommodations with just a few taps. In recent years, the development of popular technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence), VR (virtual reality), and voice recognition has led to new tech-driven pre-trip planning solutions that offer greater convenience to travelers. Around 30% of Taiwanese travelers are keen to try voice-based travel assistants, using AR (augmented reality) to learn more about their destinations before departure.
Before space travel becomes a reality, what travelers are most eager to explore is underwater accommodation.
3. Space Travel and Exploration Know No Bounds
With aerospace technology advancing steadily, NASA is investing more funds into orbital flights and plans to build a near-moon space station next year. In the future, space tourism may no longer be confined to movie plots. Statistics show that nearly 40% of Taiwanese travelers are very excited about the prospect of space travel.
Before space travel becomes a reality, thrill-seeking travelers continue to explore other hidden wonders of the Earth. Nearly 60% of Taiwanese travelers are willing to try underwater accommodation to explore the ocean world beneath the surface. Many unique types of accommodations have emerged in response to travelers’ love for novelty.
The “lazy economy” is taking off, with travelers expecting to quickly and easily access travel information via their phones.
4. The Desire to Be Unique — Personalized Travel Is the New Norm
Generic travel guidebooks are being replaced by highly personalized, accurate content. Travelers expect to access travel information simply and quickly, such as via their phones. Statistics show that over half of Taiwanese travelers hope to receive itinerary recommendations from others and want travel brands to use AI and other technologies to offer suggestions based on their past travel experiences. They also look forward to gaining more personalized travel experiences through new technologies like digital guides.
Same-sex marriage rights are recognized nationwide in the U.S., and the White House is illuminated with colorful lights at night. (Image source / Official White House YouTube Channel)
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