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Clockwise from top left: Natural wonders will never go out of fashion; carbon footprints of people and places will be under the microscope; travel must adapt to an ageing population
ensuring that local communities have a seat at the table to tap into the innate knowledge of a place and its people. On the flipside, businesses that fail to assess will not survive, and travel insurance will be a booming industry due to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The ‘why’ of travel The motivations behind travel in 2086 may not look too different to those of today. Data from global research groups shows current rising interest in wellness, creativity and cultural immersion, particularly among older travellers, and Driessen believes this trend will intensify, with travel in the future being not just about experiences, but transformations. Bremner agrees, but notes that relaxation and connection will remain vital. What comes next could be a “consciousness economy”; the challenge for the industry is to create systems that enable visitors “to do the right thing while enjoying themselves to the max, guilt free.” An ageing population will lend itself to greater accessibility, including the
says Bremner. “However, there is a rightful place for virtual experiences when travel is no longer an option, so when fragile sites need to close for their survival. Already, certain countries at risk of disappearing due to climate change are moving online, such as the famous case of Tuvalu shifting into the metaverse.” She notes that AI’s energy footprint must be managed if it is to support sustainability. Travel in a climate emergency Destination strategy is already shaped by climate adaptation, and in 2086 we will be looking back on stark lessons learned. The future could see a prerequisite to give back while on a trip through conservation or community service, plus destinations positioned as agents of restoration. Models currently in play in Costa Rica, Bhutan and New Zealand provide early examples of tourism revenue supporting ecological recovery, laying the foundations for carbon-negative accommodation, circular supply chains and biodiversity zones. Putting nature front and centre will be a condition of success, along with
transition to universal design in the built environment, says Bremner. It is vital that steps are taken to ensure tourism remains open to all with low barriers to entry, while upholding full responsibility for its social and environmental impacts. Alongside innovation, the tourism industry of 2086 will build its success on the alignment of regulation, investment, community interests and ecological integrity. If these principles are upheld, travel will remain a vehicle for discovery and human connection, operating with greater intelligence, resilience and purpose while embedding more deeply the factors that make exploration so widely sought. The power of travel to build cultural bridges, foster understanding and promote peace will endure.
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