Outdoor travel was one of the industries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As borders closed, travel restrictions tightened, and the rise of social distancing, the world of adventure and exploration came to a halt.
However, as time passed and restrictions began to loosen, a new trend called “revenge travel” emerged, allowing people to rediscover the joy of being outdoors. According to Sean Fisher, Marketing Director of renowned Australian outdoor equipment provider Outback Equipment, revenge travel is all about making up for the time lost during years of confinement inside homes. Fisher provides his insights on this concept and its implications for outdoor adventure.
Traveling in the post-pandemic era
Fisher explains that since the reopening of borders and relaxation of travel restrictions, there has been a significant surge in bookings and travel-related inquiries. Fisher cites a recent report stating that outbound travel searches from most Asia-Pacific countries increased between 30% and 60% in 2019. Travel agencies, airlines, and hotels have also reported record-breaking numbers. The accommodation and food services industry grew 8.6% in February 2022 as more people searched for accommodation, indicating a desire to rediscover the world post-pandemic.
One of the driving forces behind revenge travel is the psychological impact of isolation or quarantines, which sparked an intense longing for connection and exploration. People yearn for shared experiences, the desire to create lasting memories, and the need to break from the monotony of pandemic life.
Fisher also emphasizes how the advent of vaccines played a crucial role in boosting confidence among travelers. As vaccination rates increase and businesses implement safety measures, people feel more secure outside their homes and engaging in outdoor activities.
Outback Equipment at the forefront spot of revenge travel
Fisher shares that Outback Equipment faced significant hurdles surrounding courier logistic delays and economic setbacks. However, the go-to outdoor equipment provider stayed resilient and adapted to the industry changes, now thriving in the era of revenge travel.
The team at Outback Equipment stays updated with trends to expand its offerings accordingly. The company had carefully curated a range of products, expanding its portfolio to include 750 trusted brands in the outdoor industry. This strategy allowed it to meet the diverse needs of post-pandemic travelers.
Aside from this, the company has also invested in enhancing its customer service, understanding that personalized service is more critical than ever in the current climate. The company’s industry knowledge has been valuable, enabling its staff to provide expert advice and recommendations to its customers. Outback Equipment’s Director Jaime Chee mentions, “With the rise of people who want to go out, we aim to make laying the groundwork for their trip as easy as possible, with a wide range of reliable options and high-level customer service.”
Outback Equipment also launched a VIP/loyalty program to strengthen its client relationship. This program rewards customer loyalty and fosters a community among product users. “We want people to get out on the open road sooner by beginning their journey at Outback Equipment. No matter where they want to go, we can get them there,” Jourdan Wong, Outback Equipment Director adds.
On top of this, Outback Equipment opened a spacious 3000m2 warehouse in Brisbane’s Acacia Ridge. This upgraded the company’s storage and distribution capabilities, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of products to customers. It even provided them with an excellent avenue to showcase their products.
Unlocking the healing and transformative power of Revenge Travel
Post-pandemic, revenge travel has gained momentum, where individuals are eager to make up for lost time and fulfill their wanderlust. Traveling outdoors becomes even more significant in this context as it satisfies the desire for exploration and serves as a form of healing and catharsis. It provides an opportunity to leave behind the stresses of the past year.
In line with this philosophy, Outback Equipment, Australia’s largest provider of outdoor accessories and a consistent presence in Australia’s Financial Review (AFR) Fast 100, is eager to navigate the concept of revenge travel. The company is determined to enable customers to achieve their long-awaited travel goals, one trip at a time, recognizing the transformative power of outdoor exploration in enhancing individuals’ lives.
