Consumer Habits

Asia’s outbound travelers are getting younger, more digital, and more experience-driven—forcing global travel brands to rethink how and where they engage.

Social media is no longer just inspiring travel, it’s where trips are being researched, priced, and booked. As platforms evolve into powerful sales channels, creators are becoming the new travel agents, short-form video is replacing static ads, and the booking journey is evolving into a low-friction social interaction.

Recession alarm bells are going off. A global downturn isn't our base case, but it's still worth reviewing how the travel industry might perform in a worst-case scenario. Even in a turbulent market, travel won't stop — it will shift.

Trump-era politics is driving down global interest in U.S. travel, with safety and perception key to recovery.

Travel is the most aspirational consumer purchase out there. With secular tailwinds and a boost from post-pandemic revenge travel, our industry was flying high. But now, new policies announced by U.S. President Donald Trump may take travel out of the clouds and back down to earth.

To unlock its full tourism potential, India must reimagine its image, simplify entry, elevate infrastructure, and craft compelling narratives that captivate long-haul travelers.

Economic pressures are driving budget-conscious travel in Europe, reshaping spending, boosting midscale hotels, packaged trips, and loyalty programs—brands that adapt will thrive.

Luxury travel is evolving to encompass multiple experiential aspects of travel. In order to best capitalize on high demand and supply gaps, luxury hotels can differentiate themselves by broadening their offerings and embracing lucrative emerging experiential trends.

If 2023 was the year of revenge travel, and 2024 of normalization, what will 2025 bring? Likely a slow and steady baseline of growth amid divergence, challenges, and change.

This quarter, it seems like cautious optimism defines U.S. travel, with growing financial confidence balanced against rising costs and adjusted spending behaviors.

The tours and experiences space is rapidly evolving in an altered post-COVID-19 market, driven by desires for authenticity, immersion, and “experiencing like a local”. Not only is this a major opportunity for tour operators and travel agents, but experiences also drive extension of trips, presenting opportunities for the accommodation and other travel sub-sectors as well.

Wellness tourism is on the rise as travelers increasingly prioritize mental and physical well-being. By focusing on personalized experiences, sustainable practices, and innovative wellness offerings, businesses across the travel value chain, from hotels to investors, can capitalize on this lucrative opportunity.