Almost two-thirds of international travellers are ready to travel immediately after the lifting of international travel restrictions – or at least within a year thereafter.

This was revealed by a South African Tourism survey on international travel, in which its Strategy Insights and Analytics team solicited views of international tourists who had visited South Africa in the past three years.

The report was released this month, providing insight into consumer travel preferences post-COVID-19.

The study found that 45% of the international tourists would avoid travel, while another 45% were inclined to either travel as they did in the past or travel more frequently. The other 10% were indecisive about their travel prospects.

The indecisive travellers are those who normally budget further ahead for their international trips and are paranoid about losing their money if they have to cancel, as some did due to COVID-19.

Travellers from The Americas (North, South and Central) and Europe are the most eager to travel internationally, while African international travellers are likely to defer travel until it is safe.

Of respondents in the Americas, 63% are considering an international trip as their first trip post-COVID, with Europe following close behind at 54%.

The study shows that travellers from the Americas are not too concerned about a vaccine being found before they start travelling, with73% of respondents saying they will travel as soon as restrictions are lifted. Europeans follow at 72% and Asia, Australasia and the Middle East at 69%.

African travellers are more eager to travel domestically and regionally, with 35% and 36% respectively voting for these options over international travel; 44% of African travellers will consider travel as soon as it is safe to do so or when a vaccine has been found.

Tourlane, an online travel website, said South Africa was the most popular destination for travellers post-COVID-19 and the key reasons for wanting to visit South Africa were safari, visiting friends and relatives and scenery.

“We are delighted that South Africa remains a destination of choice among international travellers. This underlines our tireless efforts to keep the country top of mind among travellers,” said SA Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona. 

“As the tourism sector gradually reopens, we look forward to welcoming travellers to our shores so that they can explore our beaches, cities, pristine wilderness and mountains.”