With the dawn of 2025, tourism companies are gearing up for what promises to be another transformative year for travelers. Forecasts based on surveys, user behavior, and booking patterns reveal exciting new trends shaping how, where, and why people explore the world.
According to Jenny Southan, CEO of Globetrender, trends provide clarity and guidance on traveling amid the chaos of modern life. "People are drawn to trends because they offer a sense of pattern and comprehension," she explains. Jasmina Binu, executive director at Concept Bureau, echoes this sentiment, stating, "Trends are windows to what people truly desire when the rules of everyday life become chaotic. Today, individuals want to feel completely rejuvenated." While the tourism industry has largely bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, uncertainties like economic fluctuations and the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East make 2025 anything but predictable.
The new travel trends—ranging from stargazing to nighttime tourism and digital detox—speak to people's desire for reconnection to experiences of greater meaning. Binu adds, "These trends reflect our collective exploration of what truly matters, making us participants in the global dialogue about significance." Here’s what’s expected to dominate tourism trends this year:
Night Tourism: The Allure of the Night
Nights are becoming increasingly popular for travel, with unique offerings like night museums, bioluminescent beaches, and opportunities to witness the Northern Lights drawing many travelers. Destinations such as Finland’s Lapland, Norway’s Lofoten Islands, and Iceland are poised to provide extraordinary nighttime experiences.
Calm-cations: Seeking Serenity
For those yearning for peace, the trend of ‘calmcations’ is set to thrive. These retreats focus on relaxation and tranquility, which are especially valuable as urban noise pollution—which the World Health Organization deems the second-leading cause of health issues—continues to rise. One recommended escape is the Maiyama cabin retreat near Helsinki, Finland, where guests can reconnect with nature away from the internet.
AI-Driven Travel Planning
Technology’s role is expected to expand dramatically, with near 50% of people believing artificial intelligence will plan their future vacations. While many travel agencies are still adjusting to these advancements, platforms like TripAdvisor are already incorporating AI to create personalized itineraries. The Hyatt hotel chain has introduced 'smart' beds to track occupants’ heart rates and blood pressure for enhanced comfort and rest.
A Return to Summer Romance
The trend toward face-to-face interactions may also rise as Generation Z reported feeling fatigued from online dating. According to research by Forbes, 79% of Gen Z expressed exhaustion from seeking relationships online. Agencies anticipate increased opportunities for individuals to meet new people organically.
Exploring Uncharted Territories
The demand for lesser-known travel destinations is on the rise, with travelers eager to explore areas where they are warmly welcomed. New hotspots include Uzbekistan and various islands off East Africa, such as Zanzibar and Madagascar, alongside traditional tourist cities like Rome and Tokyo, which continue to combat overtourism.
Coolcations: The Shift to Cooler Climates
Rather than asking where the warmth is, many travelers are now asking where it's cooler as climate change impacts summer heat records. Consequently, Northern European countries like Finland and Norway are seeing a remarkable 26% growth in tourism, fueled by more temperate summer averages.
Nostalgic Travel Experiences
With millennials entering middle age, nostalgia-driven vacations are set to rise, resurrecting beloved childhood experiences. An increase in summer camps, camping interests across mainland Europe, and retro offerings reflect society's need for solace amid uncertainty.
Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour conclusion has also reinvigorated global travel trends, as millennials revisit cherished vacation spots of their youth. The resulting uptick indicates how current cultural phenomena can influence tourism significantly.
Overall, the tourism and travel predictions for 2025 spotlight the evolution of traveler preferences. These insights remind us of the interplay between personal desires and broader social trends, shaping how people seek connection and meaning through travel.
With such varied and transformative trends on the horizon, it seems 2025 will not just be about exploring new places but about re-evaluated connections to the world around us.