Travelers from Hong Kong are preparing for exciting new adventures as 2025 approaches, with indications of shifting preferences and practices shaping next year’s journeys. According to Booking.com, which released its travel trends forecast for Hong Kong on December 17, 2024, there’s much to anticipate with the evolution of travel methods emphasizing sustainability, health, and enriching cultural experiences.
Booking.com gathered insights from 27,713 participants across 33 countries, focusing on those planning to travel within the next 12 to 24 months. The results revealed five compelling trends for 2025, capturing the imagination of potential travelers.
Chief among these is the increasing popularity of cross-generational family travel. This trend has emerged alongside shifting family dynamics, amplified by the pandemic, which led many to cherish close ties with family members. Interestingly, the data indicated strong willingness among older generations to sponsor travel for their younger relatives. “86% of respondents are willing to sponsor trips for their children and grandchildren,” Booking.com reported, coining this new travel avenue as the "SKI" vacation, or Spending Kids’Inheritance.
Another notable trend is the surge of nocturnal tourism, or what some are calling “noctourism.” Over 70% of Hong Kong travelers expressed preference for visiting darkness-rich destinations, more than their global counterparts. This preference is partly attributed to the desire to connect more deeply with nature, leading many to plan activities during the evening or early morning hours. Booking.com noted, “More than 70% reveal they want to visit darker travel destinations, compared to nearly 10% more than the average global traveler.”
The nocturnal enthusiasm extends to accommodations as well, with many individuals opting for stays at venues devoid of artificial light. “More than half of travelers are opting for accommodations without light to reduce light pollution and protect wildlife,” said Booking.com. This shift points to growing awareness and accountability around environmental impact.
Besides nighttime adventures, travelers are showing interest in vintage-style traveling, reflecting wider cultural trends. This phenomenon combines eco-friendliness with the thrill of the hunt, as travelers seek treasures at thrift stores. Not only does this delight the environmentally conscious, it also offers unique experiences away from typical consumerism.
Overall, praise for the integration of sustainable practices within travel choices seems to be leading the discussion. With survey responses indicating substantial shifts toward these emergent trends, 2025 is poised to be shaped by travelers' desires for novel, nature-connected, and fulfilling experiences.
With these trends unveiled, Hong Kong seems ready to embrace the future of travel, creating memories intermixed with community connections and environmental consciousness. The dynamics of family togetherness and engaging excursions promise to redefine travel for many, ensuring 2025 is full of fresh experiences for the diverse travelers of Hong Kong.