As in the previous year, the majority of travelers (90%) are looking for 4-5 star accommodations, while the average stay remains at seven nights.
Expedia Group's Traveler Value Index study shows a rebound in the second quarter of this year, with tourist arrivals to Punta Cana expected to grow by more than 150%. The research also projects that the Latin American and Caribbean tourism market will experience a surge during this period.
Freddy Dominguez, the company's vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean, announced the results during a presentation for business partners in the tourism industry at DATE 2022, an event held in Punta Cana.
54% of those surveyed in the study said they will invest more in travel than before the pandemic, 81% said they will travel frequently in the next six months, while 78% revealed they will take short trips.
The study revealed that during the first three months of 2022, searches for trips to the Dominican Republic grew by 40% compared to the previous year, for stays in the summer, with almost all of the demand coming from international travelers.
The year-on-year comparison of Caribbean searches, according to the results, shows a rebound in the second quarter with a growth of +150% in Punta Cana, followed by Cancun with +45%.
Data shows that 80% of those seeking to travel to the country are residents of the United States, although there is also a growing demand from other countries, especially a notable increase from Canada, due to the decrease in travel restrictions.
As in the previous year, the majority of travelers (90%) are looking for 4-5 star accommodations, while the average stay remains at seven nights.
Expedia Group's Traveler Value Index study, conducted in November 2021 among 5,500 adults in eight countries, also showed that travelers are focusing on "wellness travel".
Other findings from the study indicate that 56% of respondents who usually work remotely will take a bleisure, meaning they will extend a business trip for leisure or vice versa; 40% of travelers will use loyalty points accumulated during the pandemic to help finance such trips, so great deals and flexibility will continue to be top priorities.
Dominguez urged travel companies to adapt and constantly innovate to remain competitive. "In this new recovery environment, it is crucial that partners differentiate themselves from the competition and earn traveler loyalty.".
It recommends ensuring that travelers can obtain a refund or credit if plans change, as flexibility remains a priority for them, and offering a variety of options and prices, introducing new offers for short trips, and integrating loyalty programs.
