9 Travel and Tourism Trends to Look Out For

1. Lightweight planes

Earlier this month, Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner stopped down in Toronto, the first of eight cities on its North American itinerary. Because the plane is made with lightweight materials, it consumes a fifth less fuel than a conventional plan of the same size.

This travel & tourism trend in a nutshell: Lightweight composite materials improve fuel efficiency.

2. Retro uniforms on airline staff at media events

When the 787 Dreamliner stopped in Toronto, Air Canada staff donned vintage period uniforms, reminiscent of those worn by Christina Ricci on the historical TV show, Pan Am.

This travel & tourism trend in a nutshell: Reminding passengers of the romance of air travel.

3. The return of the old-fashioned travel agent

As doubts arise about the trustworthiness of customer reviews on travel sites, customers are returning to that old standard, the travel agent.

This travel & tourism trend in a nutshell: Too much technology makes the human touch suddenly that more desirable.

4. Airport security express line for low-risk travelers

Some US airports are introducing streamlined security for low-risk frequent flyers.

This travel & tourism trend in a nutshell: After more than a decade of increased airport security, the industry is ready to explore solutions that incorporate convenience.

5. Travel to Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (the BRICS)

These emerging economies are attracting more tourists than ever. To prepare for it, China is expected to build more than a thousand new hotels in the next couple of years, according to travel commentator Travel+Leisure.

This travel & tourism trend in a nutshell: International touristic destinations are changing.

6. Greater use of travel insurance

According to a recent study of the British tourism industry, the use of travel insurance for international trips increased significantly last year.

This travel & tourism trend in a nutshell: Insurance products are increasing their market share of the industry.

7. Search for authenticity

According to the same British study, today's tourists want to eat the "real" food, meet the "real" people, get the "real" feel of the places that they visit.

This travel & tourism trend in a nutshell: No more soaking in the sun on resort-guest-only beaches.

8. Hotel renos

The Beverly Hills Hotel is just one of the many iconic hotels slated for major renovations in 2012.

This travel & tourism trend in a nutshell: The old configurations no longer meet the needs of today's travellers.

9. Concern for value over price

This according to the aforementioned tourism British study, which finds that 71% of travellers think that value is more important than simply getting the lowest price for a holiday.

This travel & tourism trend in a nutshell: In today's fragile economy, tourism management teams will have to work harder to establish that they are providing consumers with good value.