Travel Trends for 2025:
Your hotel marketing strategy
The travel industry is constantly evolving, and 2025 is no exception. Here are 11 of the hottest travel trends for 2025 that hotels can leverage to attract more guests and boost bookings.
Trend #1: Hotel Destinations
Travelers are increasingly seeking unique and immersive experiences, going beyond simply booking a room. They want hotels to be destinations in themselves, offering curated experiences that go beyond traditional accommodation.
“According to DataIntelo, the global Boutique Hotel Market was valued at US$99.7 billion in 2023 but is likely to reach US$179.7 billion by 2032”
“Trailblazer hotels are becoming destinations in their own right – with bucket-loads of charisma (or “rizz”, as Gen Z would say) – and this has triggered a surge in eye-catching new openings around the world. These days, travelers are increasingly seeking hotels with a sense of place and a unique identity, and in many cases these properties are putting destinations on the map. So persuasive are they that tourists are planning trips around stays at “calling card” hotels, while digital nomads and business travelers are building them into work trips to create some added value to the experience.”
Your Marketing Opportunity: What makes your hotel special? Focus on creating an experience that resonates with the local culture, history of your area or building and offers a unique narrative.
Trend #2: Luxury Travel on the Upswing
After a period of restraint, travelers are ready to indulge in luxury travel experiences. They are seeking high-end amenities, personalized service, and unforgettable moments.
Marketing Opportunity: Invest in high-end amenities and services, such as in-room fireplaces, soaking tubs, and high-quality toiletries. Partner with local businesses to offer guests exclusive experiences, such as private cooking classes or wine tastings.
Trend #3: Accessible Adventure Travel
Adventure travel is no longer exclusive to the ‘able-bodied’. Travelers with disabilities are seeking inclusive experiences and accessible travel options.
Your Marketing Opportunities:
Accessible Activities: Partner with local tour operators that offer accessible tours and activities, such as wheelchair-accessible hiking trails, boat tours, and museums.
Staff Training: Train staff on how to assist guests with disabilities and provide excellent customer service.
Physical Accessibility: Ensure your hotel is physically accessible to guests with disabilities. This includes features like ramps, elevators, wide doorways, and accessible bathrooms. Don’t forget to highlight this on all your marketing platforms.
Trend #4: Digital Detox & Wellness/Slow Travel
Adventure travel is no longer exclusive to the ‘able-bodied’. Travelers with disabilities are seeking inclusive experiences and accessible travel options.
Opportunities:
Accessible Activities: Partner with local tour operators that offer accessible tours and activities, such as wheelchair-accessible hiking trails, boat tours, and museums.
Staff Training: Train staff on how to assist guests with disabilities and provide excellent customer service.
Physical Accessibility: Ensure your hotel is physically accessible to guests with disabilities. This includes features like ramps, elevators, wide doorways, and accessible bathrooms. Don’t forget to highlight this on all your marketing platforms.
Trend #5: Destination Dupes
Travelers are seeking authentic experiences and are increasingly drawn to lesser-known destinations that offer unique charm and affordability.
Your Marketing Opportunity:
Highlight Unique Selling Propositions: Emphasize the unique features and experiences that your destination offers, such as stunning natural scenery, authentic local culture, and affordable prices.
"Off-the-Beaten-Path" Packages: Offer packages that showcase the hidden gems of your destination, such as lesser-known attractions, local markets, and authentic dining experiences.
Partner with Local Businesses: Partner with local businesses to offer guests discounts and special offers.
Trend #6: “Coolcations”
It’s not all about the beach holidays! Travelers are seeking respite from the heat and are increasingly drawn to destinations with cooler climates, especially during the summer months.
Your Marketing Opportunities:
Summer Escape Packages: Offer special packages during the summer months, such as "Beat the Heat" packages that include discounts on rooms, activities, and dining.
Highlight Cool Weather Activities: Promote activities that are enjoyable in cooler weather, such as hiking, biking, and stargazing.
Partner with Local Businesses: Partner with local businesses that offer cool weather activities, such as museums, wineries or spas.
Trend #7: Staying Away Longer, Traveling with Purpose
The traditional short vacation is evolving. Travelers are seeking longer stays and more immersive experiences, often with a focus on personal growth, professional development, or contributing to the local community.
Your Marketing Opportunity:
Extended Stay Packages: Offer discounted rates for guests who stay for longer periods.
"Workation" Packages: Cater to digital nomads and remote workers by offering high-speed internet access, comfortable workspaces, and flexible check-in/check-out times.
Experiential Packages: Offer packages that focus on specific interests, such as culinary experiences, cultural immersion, and adventure activities.
Trend #8: Railway Travel
Train travel is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with travelers appreciating the scenic beauty, relaxation, and sustainability of this mode of transportation.
Your Marketing Opportunities:
"Train & Stay" Packages: Partner with train companies to offer discounted rates for guests who arrive by train.
Convenient Location: Promote your hotel's proximity to train stations and offer convenient transportation options for guests arriving by train.
"Rail & Relaxation" Packages: Offer packages that combine train travel with relaxing amenities, such as spa treatments and in-room dining.
Trend #9: Season-Stretching
Travelers are increasingly exploring destinations beyond peak season, taking advantage of lower prices, fewer crowds, and unique seasonal experiences.
Your Marketing Opportunities:
Shoulder Season Deals: Offer special promotions and discounts to attract guests during the shoulder seasons.
Highlight Unique Experiences: Promote activities and events that are unique to the shoulder seasons, such as festivals, foodie experiences or outdoor adventures.
Showcase the Beauty of Off-Season Travel: Emphasize the benefits of traveling during the off-season, such as smaller crowds, lower prices, and more intimate experiences.
Trend #10: Digital Itineraries
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in travel planning. AI-powered tools are helping travelers create personalized itineraries, book experiences, and navigate their journeys with ease.
Your Marketing Opportunities:
Provide Guests with Access to Local Information: Provide guests with access to local information, such as maps, restaurant recommendations, itineraries and event listings.
Offer Concierge Services: Offer concierge services that can help guests book tours, activities, and transportation.
Trend #11: Vintage Voyaging
This trend emphasizes a more mindful and authentic approach to travel, focusing on cultural immersion, local experiences, and sustainable practices.
Your Marketing Opportunities:
Highlight Local History and Culture: Promote the history and culture of your destination by offering tours, exhibits, and events that showcase the local heritage.
Partner with Local Artisans and Businesses: Partner with local artisans and businesses to offer guests unique and authentic experiences.
Offer Sustainable Amenities: Offer eco-friendly amenities, such as reusable water bottles and locally sourced food.
2025 Travel Trends:
Who are the travellers?
Now that we've explored some of the top travel trends for 2025, let's delve into the key traveler demographics predicted to be significant this year.
Female travelers - Women are increasingly embarking on solo adventures or exploring the world with their friends. To effectively cater to this growing segment, consider offering female-friendly amenities and services, such as enhanced safety features, dedicated women-only spaces, and flexible booking options.
Multigenerational travelers - Families are rediscovering the joy of traveling together, creating lasting memories across generations. To attract these travelers, prioritize spacious accommodations, kid-friendly amenities like pools and play areas, and a diverse range of activities suitable for all ages.
Adventure travelers of all ages -The spirit of adventure knows no age limit! Baby Boomers are demonstrating a renewed interest in exploring the world through thrilling experiences. Capitalize on this trend by offering packages that include exciting activities like hiking, biking, white-water rafting, and cultural immersion programs.
SKI (Spending Kids' Inheritance) - Many travelers are shifting their priorities, choosing to invest in unforgettable experiences rather than solely focusing on accumulating wealth for their children. To appeal to these "Spending Kids' Inheritance" travelers, emphasize the value of unique and enriching experiences, offering personalized itineraries and curated packages that create lasting memories.
Let’s kickstart your 2025 strategy!
I believe that by embracing these trends and understanding your unique traveler profile, your hotel can create truly exceptional travel experiences. I'm passionate about helping hoteliers succeed, and I would be honored to partner with you in achieving your 2025 goals. Please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss your specific needs and discover how I can assist you.
Sources:
https://amadeus.com/en/resources/research/travel-trends/trailblazer-hotels
https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgoldstein/2024/12/29/6-hot-travel-trends-for-2025-and-beyond
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/2025-travel-trends
https://www.booking.com/articles/travelpredictions2025.en-gb.html
https://stories.hilton.com/releases/hilton-travel-trends-2025
