Montgomery adds that four out of five travellers say technology will increase their confidence to travel in the next 12 months.

‘Airlines and airports have been quick to adopt touchless technology and it shows no signs of slowing down in 2021. For example, Avalon Airport (Victoria) has introduced touchless check-in and bag drop systems that passengers can control using speech, head gestures and eye gaze.

‘Unsurprisingly, rapid Covid-19 testing is also on the rise. Perth Airport has introduced a Covid clinic at the airport to test arriving travellers.’

Montgomery says Covid-19 has highlighted the critical role of travel agents.

‘With a considerable amount of uncertainty and quarantine rules changing weekly, travel agents are more important than ever. Destinations, airlines, hotels and car rental companies would be wise
to collaborate closely with travel sellers to ensure they have all the information they need to sway travellers their way and to deal with disruptions as they occur.’s consumers look for expertise in continuing times of uncertainty.