With worldwide travel restrictions steadily easing, the World Tourism Organization predicts domestic tourism will recover before international travel, one reason being incentivized travel.

“UNWTO expects domestic tourism to return faster and stronger than international travel. Given the size of domestic tourism, this will help many destinations recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, while at the same time safeguarding jobs, protecting livelihoods and allowing the social benefits tourism offers to also return,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UNWTO.

Domestic tourism is one of the most valuable commodities for both economically developed and developing countries. A growing trend since the COVID-19 pandemic, incentivizing domestic travel is one innovative way many countries grow their markets:

Argentina is creating an Observatory for Domestic Tourism for local tourists.

Costa Rica moved all 2020-2021 holidays to Mondays so residents can enjoy long weekend getaways.

France’s campaign #CetÉtéJeVisiteLaFrance, (This Summer, I Visit France), encourages locals to explore their country.

Italy boasts the Bonus Vacanze initiative: Italian families with a household income up to €40,000 can receive up to €500 worth of domestic tourism accommodations.

Malaysia is offering travel discount vouchers for domestic travel to residents, worth $113 million and personal tax relief of up to $227.

Thailand is subsidizing 5 million nights at 40 percent of normal hotel room rates, for up to five nights.