Travelers across APAC will opt for international chain hotels in greater numbers, according to research.
While 57% of travelers in the region expressed a preference for international chains prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 86% now say this will be their top choice.
The study from Sabre reveals travelers are gravitating towards branded chain properties because of hygiene assurances and new cleaning technology.
It adds that 64% of respondents who would have opted for home stays, boutique hotels or other accommodation types before the pandemic now say international brands are their preferred option.
The study also claims travelers in the region are seeking out traditional agents to help them with travel plans.
Almost 70% say they expect to book their trips via agents in the future.
In South Asia the proportion increased to 96% who say they plan to book using a travel agent.
Further findings indicated in the study show almost half of participants (45%) believe they will travel in the next six months, rising to 49% for millennials.
However, 35% say they still have no plans to travel any time soon or until a vaccine is made available.
The research also says travelers will be persuaded to travel by safety protocols rather than price, according to 41% of those who have no plans to travel.
While respondents say they want temperature checks at major tourist attractions, restrictions such as 14-day quarantines or contact tracing will put them off.
More than a third of travelers (35%) say they will also consider a government's handling of the pandemic when choosing their next destination.
In addition, of those who plan to travel in the next six months, a quarter say they’re more likely to choose a destination where masks are enforced, 26% where social distancing is enforced and 21% where contact tracing is in place.
The survey was fielded in mid-June via Qualtrics and had 618 respondents.