Innovation and trends in tourism

The first month of President Donald Trump's second term has seen rapid and significant shifts in U.S. policy, with far-reaching implications for both domestic and international travel. With actions ranging from threatening tariffs on allies to overhauling immigration systems, Trump has enacted changes that are expected to disrupt the travel and hospitality industry, potentially creating complications for both U.S. citizens and international visitors. Experts are particularly concerned about the long-term impact of these policy moves, especially as the U.S. prepares for upcoming major global events.

Key takeaways

Increased travel complexity: New policies, including stricter immigration regulations, tariff threats and reduced funding for travel-related agencies, are likely to complicate travel to and within the U.S., making it less attractive to foreign visitors and domestic travelers alike;
Air travel concerns: Recent changes in aviation policy, such as the firing of key Federal Aviation Administration personnel and reduced air traffic control staffing, have led to safety concerns and reduced confidence in air travel. In addition, the suspension of passport processing for non-binary Americans may limit international travel for some citizens;
Road travel and gas prices: The threat of tariffs on Canadian oil could lead to higher gas prices, impacting road trips across the U.S. Electric vehicle owners may also face charging difficulties due to the suspension of a clean energy initiative. Staffing cuts at national parks could also result in reduced services and maintenance issues;
Train travel issues: Cuts in federal funding, particularly for rail infrastructure, could affect Amtrak services and derail the development of high-speed rail projects, leading to concerns about privatization and service cuts;
Impact on hospitality: The hospitality industry, which relies on immigrant workers, is expected to face labor shortages and rising costs due to stricter visa regulations. International business events, particularly exhibitions, may also be affected by continued political uncertainty;
Visa delays and tourism: Increased visa scrutiny and longer processing times are expected to deter international tourists, costing the U.S. billions in lost revenue. Slow visa processing could particularly affect tourism during upcoming major events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, undermining potential economic benefits.

What are the top considerations for travelers planning leisure travel in 2025, and what can the travel industry learn from these insights? To find out what matters most to travelers, Sabre surveyed its global team members for the second year in a row, asking travel industry insiders about their own vacation priorities. Combined with Sabre's extensive industry data, the results highlight 10 key trends that will influence travel decisions in 2025.

Key takeaways

Asia Pacific (APAC) Leads the 2025 Travel Scene. Sabre's global travel data shows a 34% year-over-year increase in bookings by travelers from this region (based on bookings made between January and September 2024 for travel in 2025), outpacing all other regions;
As travel activity increases in 2025, so will household travel budgets. Gen Z is prioritizing budget-friendly options, while Baby Boomers are planning to spend more, with a significant proportion expecting to increase their travel spending in 2025 compared to 2024;
Sabre's research also shows that 52% of respondents are purchasing airfare three to six months prior to departure, a 14% increase over the same period last year. In addition, 14% of travelers are booking at least six months in advance, an increase of 4%.

As a global leader in the hospitality industry, Accor is pleased to share its perspective on the top wellness trends for 2025. These insights highlight the key advancements that will shape the wellness industry in the year ahead.

Key takeaways

Evidence-based wellness over fads: In 2025, consumers will increasingly reject biohacking fads, quick fixes, and the "health washing" prevalent on social media. Frustrated by unreliable information, they will turn to credible, evidence-based wellness solutions over influencer-driven trends;

Active wellness travel: Wellness travel is shifting from passive relaxation to more active, athletic experiences. Post-pandemic, there's a growing demand for outdoor and sports-based activities such as cycling trips, hiking adventures and high-intensity challenges;

Focus on brain health: With longer life expectancies, brain health is now a top priority for consumers of all ages, from 25 to 75. People are looking for ways to improve cognitive function and mental clarity, making brain fitness a central aspect of the wellness movement.

Key trends include decentralized booking, hub-based team structures and the gradual integration of AI to improve efficiency. Industry consolidation will drive innovation and new tools, but the core value of face-to-face interactions remains essential.

Key takeaways

Strategic shift: Business travel is becoming a strategic asset for collaboration and global expansion;
Decentralized booking: Employees are increasingly booking their own travel, supported by travel management tools for oversight;
AI integration: AI is improving processes, though full transformation will take time;
Hub-based teams: Distributed teams use strategic hubs to facilitate face-to-face collaboration on key challenges;
Industry consolidation: Mergers and acquisitions will drive scalability and innovation;
Human connection: Face-to-face meetings remain critical despite technological advances.

In addition to industry-specific themes, GlobalData's Key Themes in Travel & Tourism 2025 report examines the key technological, macroeconomic and ESG trends that will shape the travel and tourism sector in 2025. These include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, connectivity, geopolitics, inflation, regulation and ESG 2.0.

Key takeaways

The report finds that the sector is undergoing significant change, and that the travel and tourism landscape in 2025 will be significantly different from that of 2019.
GlobalData highlights that personalization is critical for travel companies, with online platforms enabling tailored offers through customer data, making it essential to remain competitive.
Online travel platforms and apps go beyond bookings, using data to create tailored offers. Their evolution has reshaped the industry, driving changes in consumer behavior, efficiency and market dynamics, while highlighting the synergy between technology and user-centric design.

The report, in partnership with Tourism Economics, found that 29% of travelers from key global markets have avoided visiting a destination in the past 12 months due to concerns about bad or extreme weather.

Key takeaways

Gen Z - travelers between the ages of 18 and 34 - are more likely than average to avoid destinations exposed to extreme weather, with more than two in five (43%) admitting to reconsidering where they go;
Extreme weather - such as wildfires, floods, unusually high temperatures - is widely accepted to be a direct result of human-induced climate change. Evidence is mounting that extreme weather events will become more frequent and widespread as the climate continues to warm;
The WTM study crunched the numbers for some popular destinations and found that Thailand, for example, will have 55 fewer days of sunshine. Canada, on the other hand, will have 23 more.

Recent Google UK search data shows that city breaks and beach vacations are the most sought-after types of holidays over the next six months, with many travelers seeking indulgent luxury experiences.

Key takeaways

While travelers are increasingly focused on value in their vacations, this doesn't necessarily mean they are prioritizing the cheapest options;
Google predicts a significant increase in European tourism by 2025, with vacation spending expected to grow by approximately 37% by 2027;
Globally, resort spending is expected to increase by around 22% over the same period.