Skyscanner unveils its 2025 travel trends: AI integration, growing spending power, evolving destinations: What new you need to know?

Sunday, November 3, 2024

With 2025 on the horizon, Skyscanner has released its latest Horizons report, showcasing the top global travel trends and insights for the coming year.

Drawing from proprietary data and a survey of 19,000 travelers, the report highlights shifts in spending habits, rising travel demand, and the destinations set to capture the world’s attention.

Technology and AI Redefine Travel The travel industry is witnessing a major technological shift, with artificial intelligence reshaping how travelers search, book, and engage with providers. Skyscanner’s VP of Strategic Relations, Hugh Aitken, noted that airlines are increasingly using AI to personalize offers and streamline revenue management, enhancing travelers’ experiences. This evolution aligns with the changing demands of Millennials and Gen Z, who now contribute significantly to air travel spending and expect more flexibility and personalization in their journeys.

Travel Demand Remains Strong Post-Pandemic Despite economic pressures, travel remains a priority for many. Skyscanner’s research reveals that 80% of travelers worldwide plan to travel as much or more in 2025 as they did in 2024, with 43% aiming to increase their trips. Travelers from India, the UAE, and Brazil expressed the highest intent to explore more, while many in Europe and North America anticipate maintaining their travel frequency.

Community-Driven Travel Experiences A notable trend is the growing desire for community-based travel experiences. Travelers are seeking opportunities to connect with others who share their interests, from immersive art installations to sports events and gaming vacations. This search for shared experiences highlights an increasing emphasis on travel as a way to connect and belong.

Regional Highlights: Top Destinations by Region

• EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa): European travelers are showing a preference for exploring local destinations, with eight of the top 10 destinations located within Europe. Popular choices include Barcelona, Palma, Madrid, Rome, and Milan, driven by shorter city breaks averaging four to five days.
• Americas: Cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and New York dominate travel searches, with short trip lengths of around six to seven days. Long-haul trips to Europe see longer stays, with London and Madrid in the top 10 for North American travelers.
• Asia-Pacific: Major Asian cities, including Seoul, Jeju, Tokyo, and Bangkok, lead regional booking trends. Short trips, averaging six days, are popular, though London remains a top destination for extended travel.

Travel Demand Remains Resilient As the travel sector prepares for an active 2025, Skyscanner predicts heightened competition among airlines, with seat sales and promotions anticipated to attract travelers’ spending. “Our data shows that travel demand remains resilient,” Aitken noted, emphasizing the industry’s adaptive response to travelers’ evolving preferences.

With global travel remaining a priority for many, the question remains: how will providers meet the demand and deliver the memorable, community-oriented experiences travelers now seek?

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