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For years, technology and travel have gone together like peanut butter and chocolate. Whether consumer or business travel, technology has been tightly woven into making flights possible, safer, compeitively priced and in some cases, a pleasure.

But, while the pandemic greatly accelerated companies’ implementation of digital transformation, it brought global travel to a screeching halt. It was a welcome opportunity therefore to connect with VFS Global and find out how technology is enabling the travel industry to recover from the pandemic.

Travel and tech share an important common thread – both technological adoption and the growth of the tourism sector serve as a good barometer of how well a country like South Africa is progressing.  

VFS Global began by achnowledging that the past few years have fundamentally changed where, when and how people travel, noting that travel demand has seen a strong surge as people are once again eager to explore the world and reconnect with loved ones abroad. 

The company handles visa processing for 66 client governments in 144 countries, so certainly has a great deal of participation in enabling local travellers to venture abroad. It also meant that Hariprasad Viswanathan, Regional Head – Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global had a number of high-informed insights in on travel trends in a post-pandemic landscape to share.

The revival of international travel

He began by providing us with interesting insight into South Africans’ current preferences when it comes to business and leisure travel.

“The opening of international borders, the lifting of travel restrictions, the reviving of international flights and reopening of on-campus classes by overseas universities are the major contributors to the current increase in visa applications and outbound traffic from South Africa this year,” he noted. 

He continued that with the return of prominent, international sporting events such as the ICC Cricket World Cup currently taking place, as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in Qatar, consumer confidence and the desire to travel have increased.

Furthermore, many countries have increased destination marketing to bolster their tourism following the turmoil of the pandemic – and their efforts are starting to show dividends, says Viswanathan.

In the wake of the pandemic, he noted that VFS Global observed several shifts in customer preferences and needs. Not surprisingly, health and safety concerns have become major factors in people’s decisions on where and when to travel, and in how they approach the visa application process.

Viswanathan says that this evolution has fundamentally changed the visa application process. “Our personalised service called Visa at your Doorstep is available for select countries and allows the applicant the option of booking the full visa application service, including biometric enrolment, at a location of their choice. Whether this is at home, work or school, the process is aimed at making the experience as accessible as possible,” he explained.  

Destination where?

As to where South African’s are travelling, Schengen areas like Italy and the Netherlands have seen the largest influx of travellers, while Canada and Australia are also top of the list.

More particulary, Viswanathan added that VFS Global has seen visa applications for these countries rise nearly four times as much between January and August as compared with the same period last year, with January to April being particular popular months for travel.

This does not come as a complete surprise, given that in the second half of this year, many countries dropped their harsher restrictions, such as quarantining on arrival, and the majority no longer require proof of vaccination or even a negative test to board a flight out of the country.

“While streamlining visa applications was a necessity during the pandemic, the desire for the convenience that online interactions allow has remained as we emerge out of the worst of the pandemic,’’ he explained.

Viswanathan elaborated that applicants are more receptive to services such as the VFS Global’s Digital Document Check, which allows would-be travellers to get their application documents validated online before visiting the Centre, thereby reducing the time spent in person.

Cybersecurity and data protection remain paramount

Alongside the growth of remote work and online shopping during the past 2 and a half years, the pandemic also escalated the threat to cybersecurity.

Viswanathan echoed what we have heard from many organisations. He explained that VFS Global had similarly increased its focus on ramping up cybersecurity efforts, placing particular emphasis on the need to protect users’privacy and information.

“Our travellers’ security and peace of mind are of the utmost importance to us and we remain fully committed to maintaining the highest levels of cybersecurity. Over the years, we have made significant investments in robust and highly-secure systems, controls and processes to ensure everyone’s safety and privacy,” he added.

To this end, Viswanathan reassured that the company has inculcated data security within the design and functioning of all of its process.

Sustainable tourism

Another major trend that the pandemic has ushered into travel is that of sustainable tourism. This is no longer a choice, but rather a necessity, and travellers are increasingly choosing service providers that are committed to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, given the impact that travelling has on both the environment and the socio-economic fabric of a country.

“The sustainability policies of governments, airlines and hotels have become a key part of the travel decision-making process for many who strive for a greener planet. These stakeholders need to work together to bring about sustainable change in the tourism sector,” added Viswanathan.

To that end, much like with embracing digitalization, the company has embraced sustainability as a top priority. “We have a long-term sustainability strategy that runs parallel to our business strategy. Each pillar of the strategy is aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as national priorities, and include a considerable focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, employee empowerment and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” he explained.

Silver linings

When it comes to travel, it seems that use of technology to add layers of security and convenience, along with addressing sustainability seem to be the duo that are transforming how we travel. While the pandemic was certainly not on any sane person’s wish list, it seems as there are some positive benefits that the response to it has wrought – with a greater appreciation for travel and tourism, and smooother visa processing, being  notable ones.