Travel Agents Optimistic For Resurgence As More People Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

As more Americans receive COVID-19 vaccines, there are signs that the travel industry could be starting to bounce back.

According to travel agents, more people are now showing interest in booking trips.

Norman Tennison and his wife, Debbie, said they’re ready to start traveling again after a long year.

“Before COVID, we would take four or five trips down to Louisiana,” Norman Tennison said.

Tennison is the Chairman of the Veteran's Group at the Elks Lodge in Broken Arrow. He said every May they would drive to Louisiana to pick up 2,000 pounds of crawfish for their annual crawfish bowl at the lodge.

However, COVID-19 ruined last year's trip.

As vaccines become available to more Oklahomans, travel agent Sheila Nielsen said travelers will most likely still have to wear a mask. She said people should expect to see restaurants and theme parks at reduced capacity.

 “You can expect things to be cleaner and more sanitary,” Nielsen said.

Travel agents said more people are hitting the road more than hopping on a plane these days. For those who are flying, Nielsen said sunny destinations are popular.

The Coronavirus Travel Sentiment Index shows only 14 percent of Americans plan to travel for Spring Break. However, 60 percent intend to go on vacation within the next three months.

Nielsen said it's more important than ever to plan ahead before taking a trip and bring a mask along.