We are half-way through March, and approaching a year since the first UK lockdown began. However, as we approach that anniversary with mixed feelings, there’s thankfully more than a whiff of optimism in the air.

I’ve recently attended several virtual travel industry events targeting senior tourism marketers and travel and lifestyle content creators. Having listened intently and conversed at length with my industry peers, I’m confident to say that the outlook for short-haul and long-haul travel bookings is positive.

Here are five trends that I’ve heard discussed and extolled at recent events that suggest summer 2021 will be the start of a much-needed travel bounce:

• According to ABTA data, 70% of Britons want to take a holiday in 2021
• The majority of those – 65% – are planning a staycation
• Vaccinations are driving booking confidence: TUI announced in January that the vaccine rollout in Britain has boosted summer bookings from those aged 50 and over, indicating those who are closer to getting covid vaccinations have the most confidence to book
• 35% of UK holidaymakers plan to travel abroad in summer 2021
• While waiting for lockdown to end, would-be travellers are researching trips, and use search engines to help them seek out potential destinations. Search engine optimisation (SEO) and engaging content about your travel brand are really key right now thanks to this forced longer booking window.

So travel brands, prepare for a travel bounce. And do try and enjoy these quieter weeks, as they may be the last for some time.