How Hotels Can Capitalise on the Solo Travel Boom in 2025

Traditionally associated with couples and groups, travel habits are shifting. Solo travel has emerged as one of 2025’s most influential trends, as confirmed by our Travel Trends Report for hoteliers, as well as those from Forbes and Hilton.
 

Post-pandemic, more travellers are choosing to go solo—seeking independence, self-reflection, and trips aligned with personal values and well-being.
 

The solo travel market is projected to reach USD 1.07 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.3% between 2025 and 2030. For hoteliers, this presents a strategic opportunity to engage a rapidly expanding audience and boost occupancy by delivering meaningful experiences.
 

This guide outlines key aspects of the trend while offering actionable steps and hotel marketing strategies to help you stand out.
 

What solo travel means today 

Solo travel has evolved beyond the stereotype of backpacking or travelling due to single status. It’s now an intentional decision made by people of all ages and backgrounds, driven by the desire for freedom, growth, and social connection. Advances in digital tools—from navigation apps to AI-driven planning—have made it easier and safer to travel alone.

Solo Traveler World reports 58% of travellers prefer going alone because it lets them do what they want, when they want. Whether travelling independently or as part of a flexible group tour, solo guests value spontaneity, privacy, and purpose. For many, it’s a chance to reconnect with themselves and the world around them.

According to Solo Traveler World, 75% of solo travellers prioritise personal benefits such as self-care and mental wellness. This reflects wider lifestyle shifts and hotels that understand this mindset and tailor services accordingly can unlock deeper guest loyalty and long-term growth.
 

Who are today’s solo travellers?

Solo travellers are far from a niche group. They range from young explorers to seasoned professionals. Understanding their motivations and travel styles is key for hoteliers to attract and serve this segment.

Gen Z solo travellers

The ASA Travel Trend Report states that this movement is particularly strong among millennials and Gen Z, with 76% planning solo trips in 2025. For Gen Z, solo travel is about adventure, self-expression, and caring deeply about sustainability, culture, and purpose.
 

According to Solo Travel Statistics 2025 by Condor Ferries, 58% of millennials travel solo, versus just 47% of older age groups, showing a generational shift towards independent travel.

Memooners: The solo honeymoon trend 

Coined by Hilton, 'MeMooners' are travellers celebrating self-love and me-time. They travel for reflection, freedom, and personal joy without compromise. According to Hilton, 64% of MeMooners say their favourite travel companion is a good book, and 25% travel with pets.

Female solo travellers

Women are leading the solo travel movement, accounting for 84% of all solo travellers globally, according to Skyscanner. This includes not just single women but also those in relationships who want independent getaways. Freedom, flexibility, and self-care top their travel motivations.

Remote workers and digital nomads

The rise of remote work has transformed solo travel. Many now combine work and leisure, choosing to explore while staying connected. These travellers value reliable networks, co-working facilities, and proximity to cultural attractions or nature.
 

What hoteliers can do to attract solo travellers

By creating a welcoming atmosphere, you bring more travellers to your property. But here’s even more you can do to connect with the independent explorers:

Design solo hotel packages

Solo travellers often pay more due to single-occupancy rates. With solo bookings rising 300% since 2021, this segment is actively looking for affordable, value-driven options. Include single rooms, flexible check-in, inclusive meals, or off-season deals.

Add to your location’s unique strengths

Location remains one of your most powerful marketing assets. According to CNBC, nearly 50% of travellers say their next trip is to fulfil a dream or tick off a bucket list destination. If your property is situated near a national park, along a popular coastline, or within a UNESCO destination, highlight these significant assets. Offer guided small-group walks or heritage tours to highlight the local specialities.

Curate purpose-driven experiences

Solo tourism is inspired by the JOMO travel where travellers are drawn to activities that inspire self-reflection, spark creativity, and reduce stress. Develop programmes that support these needs, like oceanside painting classes, heritage cooking workshops, or journaling retreats.
 

• Embrace wellness and mental wellbeing: Mental wellness can be a differentiator. Create wellness offerings like digital detox retreats, silent yoga sessions, tailored outdoor experiences, or spa days for one. Even a single-day wellness escape, gyms or meditation rooms, can appeal to solo travellers who want to stay productive and balanced on the road.
   
• Foster community (without forcing it): Solo travellers often seek connection on their terms. Build community by offering shared workspaces, virtual meetups, film nights, or theme-based tours designed. Partner with solo travel brands and communities to reach this audience.
   

Reimagine space and design

The rise of remote work, sabbaticals, and digital nomadism has shifted the expectations of solo travellers. No more king-size rooms, guests are now open to minimalist spaces, such as compact Japanese-style rooms that offer functionality like smart beds, in-room desks, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
 

Design restaurant areas with bar seating, communal tables, or hosted dinners for solo diners to feel at ease. Make your hotel lobbies as social hubs, prioritising connection and flexibility.

Prioritise safety and autonomy

Safety remains the number one concern, especially for women travelling alone. Address this with features like well-lit spaces, 24/7 staff presence, or key card-only access. Also consider solo essentials like pet-friendly rooms, digital check-ins, grab-and-go meals, and concierge services.

Use technology to personalise the journey

Searches for 'solo travel deals' and 'best solo destinations' rose by 30% in 2024. As solo travellers are planners, researchers, and decision-makers, invest in tech and AI tools to offer custom itineraries and personalise recommendations across mobile-first platforms.

Align your brand with solo values

According to Deloitte’s 2025 report, 64% of Gen Z and millennials prefer brands that support personal growth and values. Use your social media and website to showcase solo travel stories and your custom packages. Let solo travellers know how your hotel brand resonates with their journey.

Boost bookings with Hotelbeds’ B2B channels

Solo travel bookings through online travel marketplaces are expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.0% from 2025 to 2030. In 2024, OTAs held 53.45% of global booking share, reflecting that solo travellers love their convenience of all-in-one guidance. That’s where Hotelbeds can help:
 

• Pre-defined Campaigns: You get ready-to-launch, zero-setup campaigns timed with seasonal trends and traveller behaviour. These offer targeted visibility in key source markets, which are ideal for promoting solo-friendly packages.
   
• Bespoke solutions: Need a more hands-on and tailored approach? The HBX Group Marketing Suite gives your hotel access to high-performing B2B and B2C channels, helping you reach solo travellers with curated messaging and measurable results.
   

Join the movement

Solo travel is transforming how people explore the world, and it is moving fast. Don’t miss the chance to be part of it. If you're already a Hotelbeds partner, connect with your Account Manager to tap into our latest campaigns.
 

Not yet onboard? Register your property to access over 60,000 travel distributors worldwide, including 50,000 agencies, 3,500 tour operators, and key airline and affiliate partners. Let’s craft strategies that attract, inspire, and convert the solo guest.
 

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