|
Evan Virtue '25
Each year, the holiday season is defined by packed highways, frenzied airports, and bustling train stations as travelers embark on their various holiday destinations. With the advent of cars and mass transportation in the 20th century, travelers have increasingly more opportunities to visit family and friends who live further and further apart. In recent years, the COVID pandemic was the only force that could slow surging travel rates, but nonetheless, data highlights that travel numbers in 2024 have crept back to pre-COVID levels. Furthermore, holiday travel is expected to reach a record high this season. The steady increase in travel is not only reshaping how people celebrate holidays but also presenting challenges that need to be addressed. For families, holidays offer long periods to leave the demands of work and school and spend time leisurely. With access to new technology like online booking sites and travel apps, more people have greater access to new experiences with much more ease and convenience. Additionally, with the influx of travelers, the airline and hotel industry has grown significantly with many new options to accommodate the multitudes of different tourists. However, flight prices have shockingly increased by 25% in the last year, and many plane tickets will be especially expensive around the holidays. Even with the increase in budget airline options, it is still important to be mindful of the overall increase in prices. While price hikes remain a serious issue for passengers, the increased holiday travel numbers bring a significant benefit to the economy. Major cities like New York and Chicago experience a boom from foreign tourists while resort towns like Vale and Leavenworth host wealthy patrons looking to indulge in their holiday whims. The uptick in travel during the holidays leads to more job opportunities and more economic prosperity for everyone involved in the tourism sector. Further travel inspiration often comes from social media. Pictures shared across the internet depict exotic locations and fantastical experiences and draw many people to seek their own adventures. In this age of technology and interconnectedness, the tourism market thrives off free advertising from social media. However, more tourism brings more issues. The environmental impact is significant, Mass transportation contributes to high carbon emissions which has a devastating impact on the environment. Also, many popular travel destinations can become overcrowded and infrastructure can be severely strained, often diminishing the quality of life for locals and the experience for travelers. As global travel only increases, it is important for governments to set regulations to protect all citizens and the health of the environment. Travel unites families and cultures, so it is paramount that tourism proceeds safely and constructively. Sources: https://www.cloudwards.net/where-does-the-world-want-to-go-for-christmas/ https://www.cnbc.com/select/airline-ticket-prices-are-up-25-percent-why-and-how-to-save/ https://recommend.com/featured/record-numbers-expected-for-2024-holiday-travel/ https://ourworldindata.org/tourism https://www.point.me/c/insights/2024-holiday-travel-forecast#christmas-travel https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/insights/articles/us187627_cic-holiday-travel/2024-Deloitte-Holiday-Travel-Study.pdf
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |