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33 Key 2025 Travel Dates for Travel Distributors and Providers

Today’s (and tomorrow’s) traveller is increasingly discerning and unafraid of putting their money where their values are. They are seeking value-driven experiences as a priority, with a focus on authenticity, flexibility and convenience - without compromising on the quality of their in-destination or booking experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our 2025 Travel Trend Predictions guide explores in greater detail the most prevalent trends for this year, and beyond, exploring key traveller behaviours, decision-making factors, and notable shifts in customer demands.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here’s what you can expect in our guide to trending travel in 2025:The emergence of the 'MeMoon' trend for solo travellers, and solo female travellers, all over the world.How hyper-personalisation with AI is becoming the new norm.The importance of nature to today's traveller, with phenomena-chasers becoming a valuable segment.How wellness travel is evolving into a foray into 'longevity', and why 'healthspan' is the new buzzword for today's wellness traveller.The continuing trends still driving traveller demands and expectations from 2024.and more.&nbsp;Download our 2025 Travel Trend Predictions guide today to discover the key travel trends for 2025, how you can make the most of this to keep ahead of the curve, the experiences travellers will be expecting, and the consequent opportunities for travel providers.&nbsp;

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hotelbeds 2025 travel trend predictions

[REPORT] Our 2025 Travel Trend Predictions

&nbsp;As the shape of the travel industry and traveller demands continue to evolve, it’s important that you have access to the vital travel industry services you need to stay ahead of the curve.&nbsp;At Hotelbeds, as part of HBX Group, we are dedicated to providing you with the right tools and travel products necessary to meet the needs of your clients and maintain a strong position in the travel industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our unique selection of travel industry services and products, powered by TravelTech, our industry knowledge, and the expertise of our team, will ensure your success in the competitive travel market.&nbsp;Sign up today to get started with us or log into your account to start planning for success.&nbsp;Comprehensive API ConnectivityDesigned to enhance the developer experience, our API Suite offers light, fast, and reliable technology for frictionless distribution. All to help travel providers better cater to the needs of the modern traveller.&nbsp;APItude currently empowers over 5000 developers worldwide, with API solutions catering to every requirement.&nbsp;Whether you need seamless access to real-time pricing and availability in one place with our Cache API, want enhanced, end-to-end booking management with our Booking API, or require faster, enriched product content with our Content API, Hotelbeds APItude offers a solution to your needs no matter your position in the travel industry.&nbsp;Real-time availability and pricing, all in one place.Rich product content across our expansive portfolio.End-to-end booking management.Flexible terms and upselling opportunities.Simple, streamlined modification via one API Suite.&nbsp;Discover more about our API suite here.&nbsp;An Expansive Portfolio of Interconnected Travel ProductsA more comprehensive, global portfolio of travel products means you can better cater to your clients' evolving needs and stay relevant in the fast-moving travel industry.&nbsp;Here’s a look at what our global portfolio offers at a glance:Over 250,000 hotels worldwide.23,000+ in-destination experiences and activities to enhance your clients’ trips.Transfer routes with global coverage.500+ car rentals for more travel experiences.Travel products available in 170+ countries around the globe.&nbsp;Not to mention the 60,000 travel agents selling to actively engaged travellers in worldwide locations, and more than 3000 service and product experts providing sourcing and operational support to our suppliers and clients, for a truly comprehensive network in the travel and tourism industry.&nbsp;Access to a Global Network of Travel Sellers and BuyersIn the travel and tourism industry, fragmentation is a common occurrence. This issue is often cited by end travelers as a major source of disappointment and frustration, compounded by the fact that approximately 45% of global travellers prefer booking their trips through a single point of contact, which includes flights, accommodation, car rentals, and additional services. This preference is especially high among Gen Z travellers, with 50% prioritising comprehensive options.&nbsp;So, being part of an interconnected network wherein travel distribution is made easy can provide an untold number of benefits.&nbsp;With seamless API connectivity to help you get your products seen on multiple touchpoints as part of this highly desired comprehensive offering, the option for dynamic packaging, and a customer-centric booking journey through a user-friendly web-based platform, our travel partners are equipped with the means to succeed in their markets.&nbsp;Partnering with Hotelbeds goes beyond just accessing our travel industry services; it provides a gateway to countless opportunities for growth, development, and enhancement of your offerings. By collaborating with us, you can increase your visibility in a highly competitive market and leverage timely demand to your advantage.&nbsp;Personalisation Options to Create Real ConnectionAt HBX Group’s MarketHub, Salesloft’s Senior Director of Sales Engineering, Rebby John, revealed that consumers are likely to spend 67% more for the same product, provided they have a better sales experience. Indeed, personalisation begins at the very start of the journey, ahead of the experience or even the sale. Today’s consumer even anticipates that their ‘dreaming’ phase should be tailor-made for them.&nbsp;With Hotelbeds you can:Participate in seasonal sales and campaigns designed to uplift your revenue – choose the promotions you want to participate in with complete flexibility, to be seen by, and appeal to, your ideal customer.Benefit from exclusive rates, availabilities and specially negotiated conditions - thanks to our teams of sourcing experts, in order to craft even more bespoke travel options and deliver them at the right time to your market.&nbsp;Expert Teams to Support You and Your BusinessWhen you partner with Hotelbeds, you gain immediate access to not only a suite of powerful travel advisor tools that help you boost your bookings, but also a collective of 3,000+ industry professionals.Whether your client needs in-destination support – accessible via our Help Desk or the ‘Support’ tab in our Booking Engine – or you need guidance on which opportunities resonate most with your market thanks to our sourcing experts, our tools and teams are here to help.&nbsp;Regular Resources and Industry InsightsWe cover everything from getting started as a business, discussions about the latest travel industry trends and developments, to getting the best out of Hotelbeds on our Resources page.&nbsp;Make sure to check back for regular updates and bookmark the resources that align with your needs for future reference.&nbsp;An Intelligent Travel Marketing and Recommendation Tool &nbsp;While online travel providers are seeing significant usage, with around a large majority of travellers (72%) suggesting they prefer to book their trips online, it remains the case that personalisation is still a constant demand.&nbsp;And personalisation ranges from receiving personalised deals from their go-to travel providers or potential providers, or simply making the booking process easier - something which is increasingly vital considering that 26% of global travellers surveyed indicated that they didn’t enjoy booking their travel experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;Being a provider who is part of, and in turn benefits from, a streamlined booking journey while capitalising on the ability to offer personalised travel recommendations, deals and booking opportunities to travellers who are actively seeking comprehensive, bespoke products is vital.&nbsp;This is where Insights, our powerful search and travel recommendation tool, comes in. By providing market-specific recommendations, this tool enables you to cater to the specific needs and desires of travellers in your market, saving them the time and effort of searching for it themselves. You become their go-to provider, securing revenue which might otherwise have gone to your competitor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here’s what this tool offers:Trend forecast with real-time data – Insights is influenced by real bookings, to closely match the current and upcoming preferences of your market. &nbsp;AI that learns from you – the more you interact, the more accurate your recommendations.Filter options to better cater for your customers’ needs - such as: international or domestic locations, destination theme, traveller type, regions, and star ratings.&nbsp;Cross-selling functionality to boost each booking – the ‘Experiences’ tab lets you review popular experiences ranked by their opportunity value.&nbsp;Explore Insights for yourself, here.&nbsp;Alternatively, sign up today to gain exclusive access to this intuitive tool, designed specifically for travel providers.We also offer powerful products and tools for web-based partners, as well as providers with an API business model. Read on for more information about our travel industry services for web-based providers:A Powerful Booking PlatformPowered by an intelligent algorithm and real-time data, our Hotelbeds Booking Engine has built-in features and functionalities specifically designed to streamline the way you work. But it is also powerful, processing 6.2 billion searches and 90,000+ bookings a day.&nbsp;Our Booking Engine provides convenient access to our search and recommendation tool, Insights, along with our self-service tools for efficient booking management. This streamlined process not only saves time but also enhances your earning potential.&nbsp;Elevate your clients' travel experiences with our in-built cross-selling features, streamline your searches with useful filters, visualise trips using the integrated Google Map view, and select from top exclusive rates, offers, and availabilities to better your overall offering to travellers, and improve your position within the travel industry and alongside your competitors.&nbsp;In-built Cross-Selling Functionalities to Maximise Your BookingsDid you know that cross-selling and upselling can be up to 20 times more effective than selling to a new customer? In fact, around 65% of many businesses’ revenue comes from existing customers.&nbsp;For our web clients, providing a personalised and enriched travel experience at the moment of booking is recommended to create the greatest impact, as this is when travellers are most open to inspiration. To help you achieve this, we have streamlined the process of adding related travel products and services to your bookings through our integrated cross-selling functions in the Hotelbeds Booking Engine.&nbsp;Simply click ‘+ Add Products’ from your cart, which will open a useful pop-up window. From there, you can add experiences, activities, transfers, and even car rental services.&nbsp;Whether your client needs in-destination support – accessible via our Help Desk or the ‘Support’ tab in our Booking Engine – or you need guidance on which opportunities resonate most with your market thanks to our sourcing experts, our tools and teams are here to help.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up today to become one of our valuable travel partners, or log into your account, to begin your revenue-enhancing collaboration with us and uplift your success.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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how hotelbeds can take travel providers into 2025

How Hotelbeds Offers Beneficial Travel Industry Services 

&nbsp;More often than not, today's traveller is seeking a concise booking journey, whereby travel experiences are offered in a comprehensive manner to avoid a disparate booking process.&nbsp;&nbsp;Discover how Hotelbeds' ecosystem model allows you to take advantage of this demand, and remain relevant in an industry where having the full experience at their fingertips is so important to today's traveller:&nbsp;&nbsp;How Hotelbeds works to take your business further:Make Informed Decisions with Real-Time Data&nbsp;An Intelligent Booking Platform&nbsp;A Leading Product Portfolio In The Travel Industry&nbsp;TravelTech Solutions for All&nbsp;Why are Comprehensive Travel Options Important?Technology is becoming an increasingly prevalent part of the booking process - think automated booking tools, online booking platforms and mobile apps. In fact, 83% of Gen Z and 86% of Millennials suggest that booking on their phone is critical during their decision-making process, embracing what is accessible and at their fingertips.&nbsp;With this change in booking, today's traveller often expects to be able to find and book more comprehensive travel and experiences rather than navigating a disparate, fragmented booking journey.&nbsp;&nbsp;To offer this kind of comprehensive, whilst also facilitating personalised recommendations to cater for individual needs, you need a travel partner that strives to improve not only the value of offering for the end customer – the traveller – but also the interconnectedness of the global travel industry.&nbsp;How Hotelbeds Works To Take Your Business Further&nbsp;It’s our mission to connect and empower the world of travel, and indeed travel distributors themselves. By combining intelligent TravelTech solutions with the power of our people, we connect global travel players to a wealth of products suited to any traveller type.&nbsp;We constantly strive to ensure that our TravelTech solutions are specifically designed to meet and exceed our partners’ needs, no matter their place in the vast travel industry.&nbsp;And of course, it’s important to remember that offering comprehensive travel experiences isn't just referring to what products you can offer, it also encompasses how you as travel providers handle the overall customer journey. It's about the quality of service and depth of experience you can offer travellers to ensure they get the most out of each booking with you - and to ensure they return!&nbsp;Here at Hotelbeds, we equip you with the right tools and the right products to cater to your clients' needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up today to become one of our valuable partners, and join our ever-growing network of travel distributors, or log into your account to begin enriching traveller experiences with our interconnected services.&nbsp;Make Informed Decisions with Real-Time Data&nbsp;Owing to our vast data lake (400TB), our partners benefit from a wealth of market-specific insights, rich data and intelligence solutions which seamlessly connect supply and demand worldwide. Helping you to make intelligent choices and to capitalise on real-time demand, by exploiting and leveraging analytics as a strategic asset and using our predictive tools to empower your business.&nbsp;Meanwhile, our intelligent cloud-based platforms enable our partners to work at speed – crucial, in an industry as fast-paced and demanding as the travel sector - while also offering fast and reliable access to a global portfolio. Cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and reliable access to a unique portfolio of travel products and services to help you stay relevant and competitive in the industry.&nbsp;With a Booking Engine that processes around 6.2 billion searches per day, combined with our aforementioned vast data lake, our data intelligence serves as a catalyst for travel providers aiming to unlock their full potential. &nbsp;&nbsp;An Intelligent Booking Platform &nbsp;All travel providers must be equipped and visible on an intuitive travel booking platform which can make each transaction as smooth as possible for distributors and end travellers alike.&nbsp;&nbsp;From its seamless search functionality to easy booking management, our powerful Booking Engine is the strongest tool in your artillery, helping you to work at speed and secure memorable experiences for your customers, while also increasing exposure for travel experience providers and putting those products into the hands of 60,000 travel distributors around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;Combining our vast data lake with a user-friendly interface, our Booking Engine is informed by billions of searches and real market data, allowing you to compete effectively in your market.&nbsp;Easily refine searches with useful filters to find our exclusive and differentiated properties, offers and rate types.Thousands of travel products and services in global destinations.&nbsp;An in-built cross-selling functionality that can further streamline the booking process.&nbsp;All of which assists your revenue potential!Sign up today to access our powerful booking platform, with in-built cross-selling functionalities, self-service tools and more!&nbsp;&nbsp;A Leading Product Portfolio In The Travel Industry&nbsp;It's our mission to provide our partners, and the end traveller, with as much choice as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;As part of a travel ecosystem under HBX Group, we have curated a powerful network of service providers, granting our partners access to a wide product offering to generate demand and capitalise on opportunity.&nbsp;Whether your clients are seeking a truly immersive experience in their destination of choice, the perfect hotel to rest and relax in after a long day of sightseeing, a transfer to make getting from A-B even easier, or even car hire to better explore their chosen destination, we connect you to the products, services and experiences travellers want. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With over 250,000 hotels in 170+ destinations worldwide, combined with 23,000+ in-destination experiences and activities, 500 car hire suppliers and global transfer coverage, all available in one booking platform, it’s no surprise that thousands of travel providers all over the globe are already trusting us to empower and connect them in the world of travel.&nbsp;&nbsp;And we’re not done yet…&nbsp;&nbsp;TravelTech Solutions for AllThe world of travel is forging ahead, further into the realm of innovation and connectivity. This is why we offer TravelTech solutions across the industry, to empower travel providers across the industry with the tools and products to better meet, and exceed, the needs of travellers around the world.&nbsp;Our leading API suite, APItude - including Content API, Booking API and Cache API solutions - is&nbsp;developed by our integration experts, designed to enhance make the booking process faster and more intuitive, Enabling you to successfully capture the increasing number of travellers looking for a smoother booking process, with less ‘shopping around’ and a less disjointed experience overall.&nbsp;&nbsp;Over 5000 developers currently benefit from this range of API solutions, offering a simple, fast and user-friendly experience, no matter how, when or where travellers are heading or what they want to purchase.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile,&nbsp;Insights,&nbsp;our&nbsp;live data intelligence tool, allows travel providers across the ecosystem to capitalise on demand as a result of AI-powered market opportunities for accelerated growth. These recommendations are tailored to your unique market needs, offering deeply personalised opportunities to scale both your competitiveness, your market presence and your revenue potential, by providing the stays and experiences your market wants and keeping up to date with what your competitors are booking.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This connective power makes us at Hotelbeds the ideal travel partner for providers looking to expand their reach, capitalise on demand, and enhance their offerings to capture valuable clients even from hard-to-reach segments.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up today or log into your account to take your business further and offer comprehensive travel with Hotelbeds.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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How To Offer Comprehensive Travel with Hotelbeds in 2025

&nbsp;As we approach the holiday season, with Black Friday just around the corner and Christmas not far behind, now is the perfect opportunity to enhance your travel marketing materials.&nbsp;Personalising your marketing content is essential for attracting your target audience, especially during one of the busiest commercial times of the year.&nbsp;Luckily, our data-driven search and recommendation tool, Insights, has a unique flyer creation tool which allows you to create bespoke marketing in just a few clicks.&nbsp;In today's fast-paced marketing world, creating custom flyers that highlight your deals or comparing tailored hotels for your clients is essential. With customers becoming increasingly savvy in their travel choices, it's crucial to offer personalised experiences. Research shows that 80% of clients expect a personalised retail experience, making it more important than ever to stay ahead of the game.&nbsp;As a travel provider, you play a crucial role in shaping the traveller's experience. Clients rely on you to provide them with the best rates, hotels, and experiences that align with their needs and budget. This responsibility becomes even more important during peak commercial periods when countless deals are being promoted by various brands.&nbsp;In an era where travellers are increasingly adept at customising their own unique travel experiences through Online Travel Agents (OTAs), for example, it is imperative for your success to provide travel choices that cater not only to their financial constraints but also to their specific preferences - all while being easily accessible at first glance.&nbsp;So read on to discover just how to create personalised Black Friday marketing flyers with Insights.Step One &nbsp;– Understanding Your ClientStep Two – Artificial Intelligence is Your Friend!Step Three – Make It Personal&nbsp;Step One – Understanding Your ClientThe most important aspect for any travel provider is the ability to offer travel solutions that are tailored to your clients’ needs. This can include the type of holiday they’re looking for, when they’re hoping to travel, and how best to communicate their most suitable options.&nbsp;Insights allows you to translate this knowledge into potential booking options by selecting filters relevant to the client.&nbsp;With Insights you can filter for:&nbsp;Best opportunity – the hotels and resorts most likely to be booked in your marketType of hotel – including top sellers and new hotelsType of traveller – including business, families, and adults-onlyCategory – such as star rating and TripAdvisor rating&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course, being able to filter for traveller preferences, types of hotels, and the properties you should be taking advantage of to uplift your revenue, also translates to your travel marketing and how you’re communicating any deals or offers with your customers.&nbsp;Different clients will respond positively to different offers, so it’s important that you’re presenting the most enticing deals at the right time, to the right client, in the right way, no matter the stage of the booking journey they're at.&nbsp;With Insights, you’re able to build travel marketing materials with the Custom Flyer Tool which are entirely tailored to your client’s requirements.&nbsp;Insights’ share functionality seamlessly builds flyers fit for distribution with just a few clicks. When plotting your travel marketing or communication strategy for any client, consider how best they’re going to receive information from you, and under which circumstances.&nbsp;This phase of planning is going to play a valuable role in your relationship with the client, as not only should you hope to delight them with your service, but you want to secure the booking – and should aim to become their go-to travel provider for all future trips.&nbsp;Discover more about Insights as the go-to search and recommendation tool here.&nbsp;Step Two – Artificial Intelligence is Your Friend!We recognise that the expertise of travel providers is often derived from their own experience and industry knowledge. And while there will always be a place for your individual knowledge, putting your trust in artificial intelligence can undoubtedly enhance your value as a comprehensive travel provider.&nbsp;Insights is loaded with real-time data which gives you a clear idea of what today’s travellers are booking and what’s competitive in your specific market. By utilising this live global data, you’ll gain access to valuable information that ensures you’re remaining competitive, and taking advantage of opportunities your competitors may not have access to.&nbsp;Depending on the information you’ve already gleaned from your client through varying means and at different stages of their booking journey, you can amend Insights' filters to bring up the most relevant data relating to the customer.&nbsp;Say, for example, you know that your customer is planning to travel from the United States to somewhere in Europe within the next three months. You also know that you’ve got high growth-potential properties in this destination thanks to your top recommended destinations shown on the Insights dashboard.&nbsp;This means that when you click into any of these recommended destinations, which are ranked by their potential for you and your business, you'll be able to not only filter for hotels in this destination that suit your clients perfectly, but also maximise your revenue by selling stays that will benefit you the most in terms of revenue.&nbsp;By adjusting the filters within Insights you’ll be able to see the top recommended that benefit your business, as well as those your clients will prefer – which leads us onto our next step.&nbsp;&nbsp;Step Three – Make It PersonalNow that you know where your client wants to go (and what offers they’re most receptive to) it’s time to make things personal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Head to Insights’ dashboard, as a first step. Once you’ve looked through your top recommended destinations, handpicked for their potential growth opportunity for your business, you’ll notice a ‘Create Your Flyer’ sharing option.&nbsp;Click this button, and you can select up to eight hotels you think your client will love. &nbsp;&nbsp;If we’re to give a top tip, we’d suggest filtering the hotels out further by traveller type, star rating and TripAdvisor rating. You can also accommodate for essential travel preferences like sustainability by using the appropriate filters.&nbsp;After finalising your top choices, you'll see that the 'Create Your Flyer' button now presents you with the option to either download or share the selected hotels. Go ahead and click this to move to the next step.&nbsp;Next, you'll be prompted to choose a format: portrait or landscape. The landscape option provides additional details about each hotel, while the portrait format is ideal for quickly comparing lead photos and key information like price.&nbsp;Once you’ve decided which your client would prefer, click the option, and move on through to the next stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here, we highly recommend incorporating your logo into your travel marketing materials. This allows for a personal touch that clearly shows off your business to your clients. Marketing can often be a significant investment in both time and money, but with Insights, customising your flyer is a simple and cost-effective endeavour.&nbsp;Next, you’ll be asked if you’d like to customise your content. This is a brilliant way to personalise your marketing materials to a specific client, and we’d recommend adding the client’s name to the header to let them know that these choices are far from generic – in fact, they were carefully chosen by you, their go-to travel provider.&nbsp;Implementing personalisation gestures like this can have a significant impact on your relationship with potential customers, with studies showing that up to 72% of consumers prefer responding to personalised marketing messages.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, if you skipped that stage, revisit step one and customise your headings accordingly. Once you have reviewed your chosen hotels for the final time (adjusting their order or concealing costs as needed), it is time to send out your marketing materials to the client.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, there you have it! Insights’ personalisation features require minimum effort, but could bring maximum rewards.&nbsp;Take a closer look at the other valuable features of Insights as your new favourite search and recommendation tool!&nbsp;&nbsp;If you're not already one of our valued travel partners, then make sure you're taking advantage of this time-saving, booking-boosting tool by signing up for free today.

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Insights, powered by AI

Personalise your Black Friday Travel Marketing with Insights

&nbsp;World Tourism Day is an annual event in the travel calendar that encourages industry stakeholders to reflect on the impact of tourism on the world: socially, culturally, environmentally and economically. &nbsp;&nbsp;Each year, this annual celebration is marked by a specific theme that reflects key tourism trends in the sector, from the impact of COVID-19 in recent years, to 2023's focus on innovative solutions for 'people, planet and prosperity', opportunities to reflect and rethink how we do tourism, to this year's focus on 'tourism and peace'.&nbsp;This year's theme reflects on:"Tourism can play a vital role as a catalyst in promoting peace and understanding between nations and cultures, and in supporting reconciliation processes."&nbsp;World Tourism Day is important for professionals within the travel industry to be aware of and consider, as it can help to:Learn about industry best practiceFind new business opportunities &nbsp;Raise awareness and knowledge &nbsp;Promote sustainable tourismIdentify travel habits and future trends &nbsp;Improve travel offerings&nbsp;So, can you take this year's theme of 'Tourism and Peace', which is a far-reaching theme, and apply it to your everyday?&nbsp;Promoting Peace and Community Resilience through TourismOften highlighted for its role in economic development, tourism also plays an important role in promoting peace. &nbsp;&nbsp;At a global level, where nations are interconnected and interdependent, tourism, an industry created by and for people, is proving to be a compelling and dynamic force in overcoming stereotypes and challenging prejudices.&nbsp;Did you know? &nbsp;Countries with a more open and sustainable tourism sector tend to be more peaceful.Tourism spreads philanthropy and leads to regional cooperation.Tourism supports post-conflict recovery.&nbsp;&nbsp;Success lies in empowering local communities to actively engage with their rich culture, while minimising conflict with the natural environment and all external forces - such as tourism. &nbsp;&nbsp;Real-world example: The town of Lahaina in West Maui was devastated by one of the worst wildfires in American history. Tourism resumed several months later, which raised new considerations for more mindful travellers. For instance, would their stay in a luxurious hotel displace residents who were temporarily accommodated there following the destruction of their homes?&nbsp;While West Maui accounts for 15% of Hawaii's tourism revenue, many local residents viewed the period of rebuilding Old Lahaina as an opportunity to address issues such as overtourism, environmental degradation, and economic imbalance. In fact, 17,000 residents signed a petition to delay the reopening of tourism in order to focus on the needs of Lahaina's working-class population.&nbsp;Nonetheless, with the projected loss of $9 million in tourism revenue per day since the fire, the Hawaii Tourism Authority enacted the Maui Marketing Recovery Plan to aid in the restoration of travel demand. This incident presented a crucial opportunity for thoughtful, intentional travel. A focus on regenerative tourism that reinvests in people, places, and encourages the 'long-term renewal and flourishing of our social-ecological systems' was paramount.&nbsp;It was essential that the travel and tourism mindset shifted from an individualistic to a collective perspective, for visitors and residents alike, to foster empathy and initiate collaborative action.&nbsp;Many travellers were inspired to add several volunteering experiences onto their itinerary upon seeing business owners' livelihoods burned down, and residents respected most the behaviours of travellers who engaged with patience and understanding while also giving back to the community.&nbsp;How can you, as global tour operators or online travel agents, encourage this type of travel?Encourage travellers to support local businesses and volunteer – these are key ways to continue that shift towards intentional travel that benefits host destinations.Promote alternative destinations – try sister locations to places that are suffering from severe consequences of overtourism.Promote a mindset for travellers grounded in intention - for example, one that asks 'where can we snorkel that's most respectful' instead of 'where do locals go?' Be aware of the wider industry and world – keeping informed as to any local challenges, initiatives or movements within the destinations that you’re recommending.&nbsp;These measures advocate a proactive approach to ensure that economic growth remains inclusive for the entire community, and that tourism is promoted for the benefit of residents as well as visitors.&nbsp;Top tip: Did you know that in February 2024, the General Assembly officially declared 2027 as the ‘International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism’? The next few years are a prime opportunity to take the travel industry even further when it comes to pioneering sustainable, beneficial initiatives.&nbsp;Engaging with Authentic Voices and Preserving Local HeritageCultural tourism is characterised by visitors' ardent desire to discover, experience, and learn about a particular destination. Whether that entails exploring novel cuisines, residing with remote rural communities, supporting local business owners and artisans, or travelling pilgrimage routes, the interest in cultural immersion is rapidly escalating.&nbsp;Ensuring that travel experiences are firmly grounded in the essence of a place is also in the interest of travel distribution from a success standpoint:Cultural and historical travel accounts for 40% of all tourism globally.73% of millennials report being interested in cultural and historic places.Cultural tourists spend 38% more per day and stay 22% longer than other traveller types.&nbsp;Many countries and organisations around the world are already showing how it’s possible to balance economic development with retaining vital cultural heritage, and sustainable transformations. &nbsp;Urban regeneration – a ‘Special Area Plan’ in George Town, Malaysia, balances conservation with economic development, allowing local owners to restore their homes and set up businesses, while protecting historic buildings from tourism-induced redevelopment.Prioritising native industries – to avoid over-reliance on sole economic drivers, like tourism. For example, in AlUla investments are being made into native industries such as agriculture. Diversifying the local economy creates increased revenue for residents and lessens the strain on economies that rely on tourism as a main driver of revenue. &nbsp;‘Living heritage’ – the ‘Beirut Housing Rehabilitation and Cultural Creative Industries’ project offers small grants to local artisans, while the regeneration of the historical Mar Mikhael train station aims to reactivate cultural markets and businesses.&nbsp;A pivotal strategy for international tour operators and OTAs is to incorporate sustainable cultural tourism into their day-to-day operations is to elevate local communities to the forefront of your travel experience recommendations.&nbsp;Adopting this approach satisfies the prevailing trend for authentic, experiential tourism in a manner that generates longer-lasting positive impact for the host community and economy, while also maintaining business engagement with customer preferences.&nbsp;By actively engaging with local communities, the tourism industry can ensure that the generated revenue remains within the community, where it can yield the most substantial impact.&nbsp;Promoting Travel that Champions SustainabilityIn 2015, the Member States of the United Nations collectively adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which endeavor to 'enhance health and education, diminish inequality, and stimulate economic development – all while addressing the challenges of climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.'&nbsp;The tourism industry presents a multitude of opportunities to impact and contribute to the realisation of these goals: through the provision of high-quality tourism training, which invests in education and skills development; by investing in sustainable infrastructure; by working to further the eco-conscious transformations in communities, economies and mindsets, including initiatives to decarbonise the sector; and by investing in innovative travel technology and upskilling tourism's workforces globally.&nbsp;Sustainable tourism is a major focus for the travel industry, with the appetite for sustainability showing no sign of easing: 83% of global travellers believe that sustainable travel is important.&nbsp;For the environment &nbsp;One of the paramount concerns, not solely for the travel and tourism industry, but for the broader global context of sustainability, is the prevelance of single-use plastics. The hotel industry alone is responsible for the generation of 150 million tonnes of plastic per year – a significant proportion of which ultimately ends up polluting the world's oceans.&nbsp;In light of this, marine and coastal conservation programmes serve as an ideal example of how to promote experiences that cater to customer requirements while adhering to sustainable practices.&nbsp;Real-life example: Based in Cap Ternay research station on Mahé Island - which can be accessed via the Seychelles International Airport for overseas visitors, located near the capital of Victoria – GVI offers several volunteer and study projects where participants can spend their time scuba-diving to help underwater research, snorkelling to collect data on marine life, or even hiking through palm forests. &nbsp;&nbsp;Experiences like these are the perfect example of how agents can promote sustainable travel which not only aligns with the needs and desires of the customer, but that also benefits the host destination.&nbsp;How Hotelbeds HelpsWe’ve looked before at how important is to offer single-use plastic-free options for travellers (as just one example of sustainable tourism) and how this can and should become part of every travel distributor's strategy.&nbsp;But one way we’re making it easier for travel experience sellers across the industry is to offer sustainable tourism is by offering sustainable experiences in our Booking Engine. Including PADI-approved diving centres for those eco-conscious marine adventures, as well as thousands of other in-destination activities and experiences that offer tangible benefit to both traveller and host.&nbsp;Plus, our ‘Sustainable Hotels’ filter in our Booking Engine makes it simple to refine your searches to hotels that hold sustainability at the forefront of their operations and are certified as sustainable.&nbsp;In fact, hotels are only shown in this filter once they have achieved industry-certified sustainability levels such as the Hotel Sustainability Basics certificate by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the GSTC Industry Criteria offered by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).&nbsp;Sign up today to discover our sustainable hotels and expand your portfolio for the travel options so important to today’s traveller.&nbsp;For local communities&nbsp;Overtourism represents a distinct tourism-induced challenge that numerous renowned destinations across the globe confront.&nbsp;Initiatives such as the sustainable tourism tax, introduced in the Balearic Island of Mallorca, assist in supporting the conservation of this esteemed destination. Additionally, Kyoto, Japan, has implemented several measures to mitigate the strain of overtourism, including addressing traffic congestion and utilising social media to disseminate alternative routes and information for visitors.&nbsp;To work alongside these internal initiatives implemented by local governing bodies, it's vital that you fulfill your role as part of the travel distribution system to endorse destinations in a sustainable manner. After all, as the expert, you are the one placing travel prospects directly into the hands of travellers.&nbsp;Top tip: discover thousands of eco-conscious in-destination experiences with our Booking Engine, encompassing conservation opportunities, regenerative experiences, tours and experiences facilitated by local guides, and a plethora of additional options.&nbsp;Furthermore, our global portfolio equips providers with comprehensive sustainable options as result of our status as a full-service provider, including green transfers and car hire, as well as single-use plastic-free and sustainable hotels.&nbsp;Tourism Helps Create Meaningful Connections&nbsp;This sector can be perceived as the epitome of intercultural dialogue; it allows meeting the "other" through learning about different cultures, hearing foreign languages, discovering new cuisines, creating bonds with other people, overcoming cultural differences through sharing experiences, and building tolerance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Travel, in its quintessential form, is an endeavour to expand one's perspectives. Extensive research has even suggested that 'tourist affiliation with nature and connection with local people' are 'critical determinants of positive psychological outcomes'; that travel fundamentally enhances well-being.&nbsp;This, undoubtedly, aligns with the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) previously mentioned: to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all individuals, irrespective of age.&nbsp;We see the connection between travel, identity and wellness in:Travellers seeking out experiences that align with their personal values, backgrounds or heritage.Travel that actively strengthens bonds with cultures or communities around the world.88% of younger travellers saying that travel has impacted their personal growth.72% of Gen Z travellers remark that travel is core to their identity and how they express themselves.&nbsp;Social belonging is defined as an essential human requirement, a 'fundamental human pursuit' - and tourism plays a vital role in generating prospects for interpersonal connection.&nbsp;Moreover, this sense of social cohesion is also apparent in the industry-wide transition towards experience-based tourism, where authenticity and genuine connection have become paramount for tourists' overall experiences.&nbsp;There is substantial merit in the positive impact for travellers and their companions, including reinforcing connections amongst friends, loved ones, creating more meaningful experiences and memories, as well as increasing the probability of revisiting a destination.&nbsp;There is also a great deal to be explored about the benefits of more connected social relationships between travellers and host communities:‘Immersion in the local community and socialisation with local people generate learning opportunities for tourists to know different cultures and virtues, which leads to self-reflection and potentially causes personal transformation.’&nbsp;Real-world example: The experiences of 26 international tourists to Fiji were examined in a recent study, to determine the connection between tourism and psychological wellbeing.&nbsp;Fiji has high levels of tourism, thanks to pristine natural environments and cultural diversity, and derives a great deal of revenue from tourism as a result: 34% of Fiji’s GDP was contributed to tourism, and around 150,000 residents are directly employed in the tourism sector. &nbsp;&nbsp;Travellers’ responses were categorised into themes, including ‘gaze’ (how tourists view the people and destinations they interact with and visit), ‘practice’ (a subjective, expressive encounter) and ‘reflection’ (post-trip learnings, related to personal transformation).&nbsp;&nbsp;And from increased sense of enjoyment when experiences where shared, a deeper sense of cultural understanding through authentic encounters with local communities and more chances for ‘shared memory’, results showed that travel can be a vehicle that increases social connectedness, personal development and transformation, and improved mental health.&nbsp;Not only this, but interacting with landscapes and residents who have been relocated due to climate change, or impacted by natural disasters, invokes a sense of awe that is directed not internally, but externally.&nbsp;&nbsp;These connections ‘evoke an ‘environmentally responsible consciousness’ in visitors, redirecting ‘personal concerns’ towards ‘more collective dimensions of personal identity’. These are significant factors in wellbeing, and support the notion that travel creates meaningful connections for people across the world.&nbsp;What are the key takeaways?Travel distributors, such as tour operators and online travel agents (and destination boards) ought to incorporate group travel into their tourism offerings – for more effective and numerous changes to offer chances for travellers to build connection with their companions during their trip.Accessible facilities are an essential requirement for children and elderly visitors – to promote collective participation in tourism activities and an enhanced sense of connection.Destination loyalty and revisit intentions experience an increase when visitors feel socially connected.Enhancing tourists' connection with nature, their companions and local communities will result in long-term advantages for travel distribution, local economies and travellers themselves.&nbsp;Our Impact &nbsp;As part of HBX Group, it’s our ongoing mission to demonstrate through action how much value we place on industry-recognised travel standards, and our own environmental, social and governmental (ESG) commitments. &nbsp;&nbsp;Following the development of a new reporting framework, we’re able to anticipate future regulations, and achieve higher certification, which means that we can work even harder to make travel a force for good.7,889 volunteer hours completed - contributed by 1015 employees.€7612 raised – for global social causes.444.58kg of waste collected from forest and beach cleanings.12,000 trees planted – that’s 9.04 hectares of developing forest.Carbon neutral in scope 1 and 2 – it's our 6th anniversary of this accreditation.Think Big Project – we launched this initiative to help create sustainable micro destinations, to empower local communities in rural areas.40,000 sustainable hotels – including 5500 single-use plastic-free accommodation options as part of our Sustainable Hotels Programme.We’ve become a UN Global Compact member.Hybrid vehicles – offered in even more global cities.Thousands of cultural tours, nature tourism and wildlife-centred activities – available in our Booking Engine, to encourage deeper connection with the environments and habitats of the world.Safari, reforestation, sanctuary and eco-conscious experiences – available for our clients to book.Purposeful Pause – space for employees to discuss important topics, such as financial well-being.Health Month – promoting employee wellbeing via yoga sessions, meditation and more.&nbsp;For a closer look at our parent company’s dedication to making ourselves and the world of travel a better place, you can download the HBX Group ESG report here.&nbsp;

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world tourism day 2024 travel as a catalyst for understanding

Travel as a Catalyst for Understanding: World Tourism Day

&nbsp;In recent years, the service and marketing industries have shifted their focus from accommodating Millennials as the 'future generation' to now integrating Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Born from the late 1990s to early 2010s, Gen Z and the children of Millennials, known as Gen Alpha, are already making significant impacts and are considered the true 'travellers of the future'.&nbsp;The industry is set on capturing the attention – and spending power – of these up-and-coming demographics of jetsetters, which makes sense given that Gen Z have risen to represent around one third of the global population.&nbsp;A recent study by the European Travel Commission revealed that younger travellers are more likely to: &nbsp;Return to, and add more value to, destinations over time.Discover and actively seek out new, less-popular travel destinations.Incorporate technology into the planning of, and during, their trips.Seek personal cultural experiences, benefits, and contribute to local communities in-destination.&nbsp;It should be noted that Gen Z is currently one of the highest spending demographics in the travel sector. Despite not being individually wealthy, their collective spending power heavily contributes to their travel experiences. This generation's strong alignment between their values and consumer behaviours further solidifies their influence in the market. &nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s take a look at how the ‘travellers of the future’ are changing the landscape of travel and tourism.&nbsp;The impact of younger generations on travel trendsDid you know that Gen Z alone constitutes a spending power of around global spending power of $143 billion (a figure that is only increasing) and accounts for about 40% of all consumers? Or that Millennials and Gen Z consumers will make up 45% of luxury sales by 2025?&nbsp;Digital-native travellersThe upbringing of Gen Z and Gen A in a digital era has resulted in their development during crucial formative years, constantly exposed to evolving and easily accessible technologies.&nbsp;In terms of seeking out assistance from a travel provider, rather than doing things themselves, the likelihood of Gen Z doing so is influenced by various factors. However, among them all, Gen Z tends to prioritise technology integration, easy booking procedures, social environments that encourage connections with fellow guests, interactive communication with service providers, and personalised experiences.&nbsp;In light of Gen Z's ability to meet their own needs through their technological proficiency, it is crucial for travel providers to find ways to engage with this constantly connected generation, such as through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs).&nbsp;How to attract and accommodate ‘digital-native’ travellers:Highlight the benefits of using an agency over an OTA – &nbsp;in your content, your communications or ads, your website, everywhere.Personalise all communications to the right audience, at the right time. Gen Z wants individual experiences; use this to your advantage as a distributor who can offer them.Ensure your approach is ‘mobile-first’ - whether it’s marketing or fighting for a spot on the top results in a search engine, what’s important to know is that 80% of Gen Z travellers use smartphones to research and book their travel. Compete with OTAs and be seen.Create engaging online content – you can’t book travel for customers who can’t find your services. Not only do you need to be seen, but younger travellers need to be convinced of why they should use an agency over an OTA. Convenience is everything – but personalisation is a huge motivator for this audience.Embrace technology and digital experiences – incorporate and promote tech-based recommendations, from hotels that offer AI powered air-con and mobile check-in to using a travel booking platform that has flexible payments – like our Booking Engine.&nbsp;&nbsp;Travel influencersGen Z spends an average of 10.6 hours per day online, making them the most digitally connected generation, and in 2023, around 29% of Gen Zers were inspired to travel to a destination by TikTok. Meanwhile, around 54% of parents say their Gen Alpha child spends up to four hours a day on social media.&nbsp;Many members of Generation Z and Millennials, more than their Gen X counterparts, find travel inspiration predominantly through online platforms. Social media, with its use of hashtags, geotags, and content sharing, provides a convenient way for users to discover and explore various destinations, attractions, and experiences worldwide. Travel businesses and influencers play vital roles in showcasing these destinations through engaging content, essentially serving as virtual tour guides for their audiences.&nbsp;A recent study discovered that approximately 75% of travellers in the UK, US, Australia, China, and Japan utilise social media for travel inspiration. Leading the pack are platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. Interestingly, 48% of travellers end up visiting destinations they stumble upon or are intrigued by on social media. &nbsp;&nbsp;Notably, during their searches, many users actively seek out new destinations, hidden gems, and unique travel experiences.&nbsp;Research indicates that the largest source of inspiration for young travellers is television, news outlets, or movies at 64%, followed closely by recommendations from friends and family at 47%. These findings highlight the significant impact of social media on the preferences of the younger generation of travellers, surpassing even the influence of personal recommendations.Build a positive online social presence to capture Gen Z travellersAnd considering the prevalence and importance of social media in their travel-making decisions, it’s fair to say that Gen Z – and even Millennials - are travel influencers too. &nbsp;&nbsp;It is important to note that for every interaction your Gen Z customers have with your customer service, booking, pre-and post-travel experiences, they are highly likely to share their feedback online, whether positive or negative. Therefore, social media plays a crucial role in the success or failure of travel companies.&nbsp;What does your online presence say about you as a travel provider?Are you creating engaging content? Is it the right content for your audience?Are you paying attention to what previous and existing customers say about you or your business?&nbsp;&nbsp;What do travellers want? Experiential TourismA large proportion of Millennial travellers seek culturally immersive, experiential travel – a chance to ‘get under the skin’ of their destination and create personally fulfilling experiences. &nbsp;&nbsp;Generation Z is known for seeking unique experiences, and as the first digitally native generation, their travel preferences reflect a technology-first approach from the start of trip planning all the way to sharing experiences during and after their travels. &nbsp;&nbsp;Most of all, both demographics are proven (find stats) to want and prioritise: &nbsp;Experiential travel – with a focus on authenticity in-destination.Wellness experiences – from holistic therapies to silent travel, wellness is driven by what wellness means to individual travellers, resulting in demands for bespoke experiences.Cultural and destination immersion &nbsp;Niche travel – such as agri-tourism, eco-travel, halal travel, adventure travel and more.&nbsp;The Gen Z demographic is increasingly showing a preference for authenticity in destination experiences. This shift towards experiential travel reflects a desire for bespoke, tailor-made travel experiences rather than the traditional 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Building on the cultural immersion focus of Millennials, Gen Z is leading the way in seeking experiences that align with their values. The trend is towards personalised, unique travel experiences that cater to the individual preferences of this generation.&nbsp;From ‘set-jetting’ travel to luxury culinary tourism, solo travel and wellness tourism, such as ‘silent travel’, there’s no denying the fact that as well as being motivated by a desire for self-discovery, cultural immersion, and localised experiences, Gen Z are just as inspired by ‘on-screen’ destinations, social media and a keen social and environmental awareness.&nbsp;In order to appeal to this future-focused generation of travellers, it is important to stay up-to-date on popular culture knowledge and have environmentally friendly recommendations readily available.&nbsp;See our top travel trends here!&nbsp;&nbsp;Sustainable Travel for the futureAs evidenced by recent data, sustainable travel is a top priority for Millennials and Generation Z travellers. 82% of Millennials have expressed a strong desire for travel options that are environmentally friendly.&nbsp;Promote sustainable travel options – from hotels that are certified as sustainable and single-use plastic-free (you’ll find these in our Booking Engine) to tours that have reduced their single-use plastic waste.Practice what you preach – many travel companies have signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism as signatories, or seek sustainability certification as part of the Sustainable Travel Agencies Certification. &nbsp;Adopt sustainable practices in your day-to-day – a key example would be to use digital travel brochures.Support local causes – recommend locally owned restaurants, tours and own voices from a portfolio of trustworthy and sustainable travel products – like our Booking Engine.Invest in ‘regenerative’ schemes – we're dedicated to planting tens of thousands of trees in the Hotelbeds Forest.&nbsp;Conscious travel is top of the demands list for many younger travellers, from sustainable travel practices and experiences that benefit local communities, to voluntourism and regenerative travel, alongside their undercurrent of desire for unique experiences.Discover more about overtourism, and the importance of promoting sustainable tourism here.&nbsp;The impact of Gen Alpha on modern familial travelThe growing utilisation of travel technology and enhancements in travel accessibility across various demographics worldwide have created new opportunities for younger generations to travel more easily and affordably. This shift is transforming the expectations of younger travellers as travel becomes more convenient and economical, especially in regions with advanced travel infrastructures.&nbsp;Given this, Gen A is expected to be the most mobile traveller yet.&nbsp;This not only affects the future travel patterns of Generation A, but also their current impact on modern family travel. In fact, approximately 43% of families with Generation A children are influenced or inspired by them when planning a trip.&nbsp;Although the older generations still play a key role in decision-making due to their ability to book trips, Gen A is actively sharing travel-related content on social media and indirectly influencing family travel decisions. Use this insight to provide experience-led recommendations to families with Gen A children.&nbsp;A high number of families are prioritising inter-generational experiences and the needs of the family over the destination itself. Tech-inspired holidays are ideal for family and intergenerational travel as these experiences are engaging, accessible, sustainable, and memorable. Immersive experiential travel is fun for the whole family no matter the season.&nbsp;While this is by no means an exhaustive list or overview of the impact of younger generations on travel, travel trends, and even wider traveller behaviour, it's certainly food for thought when you're considering how to attract, appeal and retain these all-important travellers of the future. &nbsp;&nbsp;Discover more valuable travel trends with our travel trend report, offering insightful snapshots into the behaviours and demands that are shaping the travel industry, and into the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Travel Trends: The Travellers of the Future

&nbsp;The trend towards booking travel through a comprehensive travel provider is growing, as travelers seek authentic experiences. This increasing demand highlights the need for the expertise and connected services that travel providers can offer.&nbsp;For travel distributors, staying abreast of consumer behaviour changes, receiving real-time recommendations based on historical data, and capitalising on growth opportunities is essential for staying ahead of competitors, regardless of where travellers are in their journey with you.&nbsp;Not only does this enhance the services you're able to provide to travellers, but these key 'insights' allow you to remain relevant and valuable in the fast-paced travel industry, certainly when it comes to the needs of the end traveller.&nbsp;Are you maximising this opportunity, or still spending countless hours conducting research and making searches in order to close deals, all while staying informed about the latest industry developments?&nbsp;Do you have access to exclusive global connections in key destinations all in one place?&nbsp;You get all this, and much, much more, with Insights.&nbsp;Let's explore how.&nbsp;What Is Insights?Powered by intelligent algorithms and marketing technology, Insights is a search and recommendation platform for travel agents with unbeatable personalised recommendations&nbsp;and customisable marketing materials available at the touch of a button.&nbsp;Insights is equipped with intuitive features aimed at enhancing your travel marketing efforts, addressing present and future travel trends, and maximising your achievements. With our platform, you can effortlessly provide top-notch travel experiences, leading to increased bookings and loyal customers over time.&nbsp;Plus, as more travellers entrust their travel plans to interconnected travel distributors, and the international tour operator landscape becoming increasingly competitive, for example, having a leg up on the competition is essential.&nbsp;So, what does Insights actually offer?&nbsp;Trend Forecasting with Real-Time Global DataYou’ll never miss out on a destination trend again with Insights.&nbsp;&nbsp;Using in-market global data and real-time insights, it allows you to keep track of, and capitalise on, destination trends that are most relevant to your source market.&nbsp;Insights is powered by:•&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Historic travel search data.•&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Real-time market data.•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;An awareness of seasonality.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Historic booking and itinerary data.All this ensures that our information is valuable, relevant, and influenced by real bookings, to offer you opportunities that closely match the current and upcoming preferences of your market.&nbsp;By enhancing the quality of the products you offer your customers, you also increase your value as a travel provider. This positions you as the top source for the most sought-after destinations and comprehensive travel recommendations tailored to their needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a result, you gain a competitive edge and improve the chances of customers choosing your services repeatedly in the future.&nbsp;A Tool That Learns From YouWhat makes Insights even better? It’s intuitive, driven by technology that actively learns from your behaviour when using the tool.&nbsp;Why? Because you can’t offer bespoke experiences to travellers without a tool that provides a personal experience for you, as their trusted travel provider.&nbsp;When you access Insights, you will see Destination&nbsp;cards, which are recommendations based on their opportunity value. These are the destinations that offer the best growth for you based on your current market, customer booking behaviours and competitor activity.&nbsp;So, once you know your most valuable destination opportunities, how you interact with them tailors your further recommendations.•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Anchor a destination to keep it at the top of your recommendation list regardless of its ranking.•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Save it for later to remove a destination for a period of time, and create a reminder for it.•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Discard a destination to tell Insights you’re not interested.You can anticipate receiving data on demand fluctuations, price decreases in your market, new additions to the hotel industry, and the most popular month to book suggested destinations. Rest assured that all recommendations will be customised to suit your specific needs and operational style.&nbsp;Get started today! Sign up today to access Insights, or log into your Hotelbeds account.&nbsp;Filter Options To Better Cater To CustomersA key question that arises as a provider of travel experiences is: how can you guarantee that you are offering your customers the most sought-after destinations, all while accommodating the increasing demand for travel in a manner that is both meaningful and personalised?&nbsp;With Insights, of course.&nbsp;&nbsp;You get access to a portfolio of globally sourced, exclusive destinations and hotels, but they are presented intuitively with comprehensive filter options so you can quickly refine your searches based on customer preferences.&nbsp;You can cater to a wide range of factors, such as: international or domestic locations, destination theme, traveller type, regions, star ratings and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;By utilising this tool, you can simplify the booking process and provide customised travel options right from the start. Insights is consistently updated, with clear week-on-week trends visible, allowing you to optimise booking rates effectively.&nbsp;In-Platform Personalised Marketing&nbsp;It goes without saying that the consultation stage before your customer books is one of the most critical, and how you communicate with your customer is vital.&nbsp;So, the ability to create personalised marketing materials in Insights is a pivotal benefit to travel agents.&nbsp;After identifying the most appealing destinations and hotels for your customer through the filter options, the next step is to utilise the Custom Flyer tool to present the top choices. Further customisation can be done by refining these selections based on star rating, traveller type, and TripAdvisor rating for a more tailored experience.&nbsp;What’s more, you can personalise all marketing materials with your own branding, removing the costly and time-consuming process of creating marketing content from scratch – a huge benefit for independent or home-based agents in particular.&nbsp;99% of marketers recommend that personalisation helps to "advance customer relationships" and has an "extremely strong" impact on whether that customer books or not. With feedback like that, it's clear that forming relationships on a personal level is critical.&nbsp;Cross-sell With Experiences&nbsp;Enhancing your customers’ trips and earning more has never been easier with Insights.&nbsp;&nbsp;With the ‘Experiences’ tab, you’re able to review popular experiences in each destination you’re researching, ranked by the opportunity value for you, with key information about the experience, which you can use to excite and incentivise your clients!&nbsp;By utilising the interactive features available, you can manage these experiences just like you would your recommended destinations. Whether you choose to anchor, save for later, or discard the displayed options, Insights will consistently recommend the most valuable choices for both you and your clients.&nbsp;&nbsp;Embracing cross-selling can significantly increase your earnings per consultation, making this integrated feature your greatest asset while utilising Insights.&nbsp;&nbsp;So why not try out Insights for yourself, and sign up today, or access Insights by logging in to your Hotelbeds account.&nbsp;

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A Quick Guide To Insights for Travel Distributors 

Overtourism is when a destination receives too many visitors. According to McKinsey, 80% of travellers visit just 10% of the world’s tourist destinations. Such imbalanced numbers cause infrastructure problems, harm natural and cultural sites, and frustrate locals.&nbsp;A small town in Austria, Hallstatt is an example of a destination experiencing overtourism. Despite its population of 800, the town receives around 10,000 visitors per day in peak season. This caused the town’s locals to protest against overtourism, while holding signs saying “tourism yes, mass tourism no.”&nbsp;Similarly, around 250,000 people live in Venice, yet, the Italian city accommodates 20 million tourists per year. In 2024, Venice introduced a €5 fee for visitors who would like to access the city centre between 8:30am and 4pm during peak travel season. The main reason behind it was to reduce the congestion in the city, especially due to day-trippers who are exempt from the overnight tourist tax.&nbsp;Like Venice, other popular destinations implemented regulations in 2023 and 2024. Athens capped Acropolis visitors at 20,000 per day. Bali implemented a tourist tax of IDR 150,000 (around €9). And Amsterdam banned the construction of new hotels, to name a few.&nbsp;What are the risks of overtourism?&nbsp;Overtourism poses risks to destinations and locals, while changing the travel experience for tourists and the booking experience for travel agents.&nbsp;Here is what happens:For destinations&nbsp;In 2023, the Canary Islands welcomed 14.1 million foreign visitors, which locals found unsustainable given the islands’ limited resources and increasing prices. In a 2024 protest in Tenerife, a local said their rent was €800 while they earned a salary of €900. Another activist complained about short-term booking websites, saying they increased housing prices for locals, who now have to sleep in cars and caves.&nbsp;Besides increasing the prices for locals, overtourism may also damage the monuments and wildlife. The 20,000 visitor per day cap in Acropolis was put in for this exact reason, as the authorities wanted to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site.&nbsp;For the environmentIn 2023, Peru announced it would suspend visits to Machu Picchu as overtourism caused erosion on some stone structures. Millions of people visit the ancient citadel every year, which is not sustainable in the long run. Later that year, Peru reopened Machu Picchu, but put visitor caps to protect it.&nbsp;The influx of too many tourists also means more pollution. Although Italy’s tourism industry was hard hit during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown, locals in Venice reported cleaner waters and better air quality, as there were no visitors.For travellersWhen travellers stand in long queues, experience visitor caps, and pay tourist taxes, they may get frustrated with the destination. This also reduces the authenticity of the travel experience, which is increasingly important for tourists. In a recent report, 47% of survey respondents said they’d like to connect with locals in less-travelled areas, and 56% said they wanted to explore off the beaten path.&nbsp;&nbsp;For travel providersDestinations suffering from overtourism may disappoint your clients because of long queues and crowds. This can lead to negative reviews and dissatisfaction, damaging your reputation.&nbsp;In the eyes of some clients, recommending over-crowded destinations during peak season may appear inconsiderate, given the rise of sustainable tourism. According to recent studies, 43% of travellers feel guilty when they make less sustainable travel choices. Nearly half of survey respondents also believe travel service providers are responsible for addressing environmental factors, which include sustainable travel options.&nbsp;Want to know more about how we as a travel ecosystem player can take your business further?&nbsp;&nbsp;Read more about how to offer comprehensive travel services with Hotelbeds here.&nbsp;Why should travel providers consider overtourism when promoting destinations?Did you know that 44% of travellers have said they were interested in visiting less-touristy spots? As the Vayable CEO Jamie Wong said, “People want to reclaim what’s real. Mass tourism is no longer sufficient.”&nbsp;Experiential travel is on the rise. Travellers are looking for experiences rather than just visiting hotspots. American Express’ Global Travel Trends Report found that 77% of travellers prioritise having the right travel experience over the cost of the trip. And for travel agents, it’s more difficult to hit the right spot with over-crowded destinations. With more off-the-beaten-path destinations, local activities, authentic experiences, and sustainable choices are more likely to happen.&nbsp;Tourism accounts for 8% of carbon emissions globally, and is set to recover from the pandemic. In Q1 2024, international travel reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels. Given that most people visit the same tourist destinations, the environment is at risk. To help clients make more responsible travel choices, educate them on the risks of overtourism.&nbsp;For example, Thailand’s Maya Bay, featured in Leonardo DiCaprio’s 2000 film The Beach, used to receive thousands of tourist boats every day. In 2018, it closed to tourists as the boats destroyed the area’s coral reefs. When it shut down, only 8% of its coral reefs were alive. The conservation efforts started paying off over the years, and in 2023, biologists reported that the coral reef population grew to 20-30%. Marine biologists estimate that it will take another 20 years for the coral reefs to become the way they were 50 years ago.&nbsp;These examples aren’t meant to put people off from travelling. Instead, they are meant to promote less-touristy beaches, eco-friendly hotels, and ethical tours that make tourism beneficial for everyone.How can travel providers find alternative destinations to better accommodate sustainable tourism?Work with HotelbedsTravel providers can use tools and analytics to learn more about emerging destinations that are gaining popularity but are not yet overcrowded.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, our Hotelbeds Booking Engine lets you discover hotels, vacation rentals, transfers, tickets, and experiences. Our expansive portfolio provides options from over 170 countries around the world, making it possible to book holidays in alternative destinations.&nbsp;With Hotelbeds, you’ll also get access to Insights, a search and recommendation tool. It gives personalised recommendations on trending destinations, the most popular activities, and alternatives depending on your clients’ needs. This empowers travel providers with bespoke recommendations, improved growth opportunities and a way to keep an eye on the competition.&nbsp;Plus, Insights highlights the destinations that offer the best growth opportunity for travel providers in your specific market, which provides a framework of consideration for your destination marketing strategy; including where you want to subvert these typical expectations within your audience, and offer closely-mirrored alternatives to delight, surprise and cater for travellers looking for hidden gems.&nbsp;We have an expansive portfolio, accessible via our Booking Engine, of 250,000+ hotels, 23,000 experiences for all sorts of travellers and destinations — including the lesser-known ones. Not only this, but you'll join a connected network of 60,000 travel distributors, all benefiting from our end-to-end services as part of HBX Group, a leading ecosystem player in the travel industry.&nbsp;Understand Traveller NeedsFor travel providers liaising directly with the end customers, or with channels of communication that reaches this audience, it's worth thinking about what recommendations will speak to travellers in different regions, countries, demographics and your bespoke targeting segments.&nbsp;Ask yourself these questions:What type of experience are they looking for? - Are they looking for a vibrant culinary travel or ecotourism experience? Or are they in the mood for a cityscape?Where have they enjoyed staying before - and are they looking for something similar?What were they unsatisfied with in their last destination? - Understanding any unsatisfactory aspects of their trip, and how overtourism may have played into this, will help you provide a more satisfactory recommendation&nbsp;When formulating a destination marketing strategy, consider promoting alternative destinations to those firm favourites, for a better experience for travellers, and increased booking opportunities. Gone are the days when travellers were happy to settle for a superficial look at their destination of choice, this year's travel trends (and beyond) suggest that today's (and tomorrow's) traveller wants to get under the skin of wherever they go, to understand the culture, the environment, and the people there.&nbsp;Instead of the usual Paris city centre stay for a romantic getaway, why not consider suggesting Reims? Situated in the renowned Champagne region of Paris and just a short day-trip away from the city, this charming town provides a romantic ambience featuring breathtaking Champagne houses and Gothic architecture.&nbsp;For urban enthusiasts who have been eyeing vibrant metropolises such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Seoul, Taipei stands out as a compelling alternative in Asia. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, bustling night markets, and breathtaking scenic spots like Beitou and Maokong.&nbsp;For travellers looking for an adventurous yet sustainable experience, Costa Rica's cloud forests offer a life-changing and eco-friendly option. With three protected nature reserves - Monteverde, Santa Elena, and Bosque Eterno de los Niños - that showcase a wide variety of wildlife, extensive hiking trails, and rich biodiversity, this destination is a wonderful place to explore Costa Rica's ecosystems while supporting their sustainable initiatives.&nbsp;By booking these alternative destinations, you’re more likely to offer authentic experiences and sustainable options, away from the crowds of destinations experiencing overtourism. Everyone benefits from the experience — you offer an unforgettable travel experience, travellers have an amazing trip, less densely visited areas get an economic boost, and the popular destinations experience a reduction in the strain caused by mass tourism.&nbsp;Sign up today or log in to your Hotelbeds account to get the latest offers and stay up-to-date with travel trends.&nbsp;

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hotelbeds overtourism sustainable travel tips

Travel Trends: 'Overtourism: The Importance of Promoting Sustainable Tourism'

&nbsp;What is wellness tourism?Wellness tourism is the type of travel aiming to maintain or improve wellbeing. According to the Global Wellness Institute, there are two types of wellness travellers: primary and secondary.&nbsp;&nbsp;For primary wellness travellers, wellness activities are the main purpose of the trip. Secondary wellness travellers only engage in wellness activities as a part of the trip, meaning they don’t travel exclusively for the wellness experience. In 2022, the biggest national wellness tourism markets were the USA, Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland, with the USA accounting for 24% of all wellness trips.&nbsp;Wellness activities could be linked to what a country has to offer, such as Hungary’s thermal baths or Iceland’s lagoons. Or, travellers’ particular interests could shape the wellness experience — luxury travellers might pick spa retreats, sports enthusiasts might go for a surf camp, or culture lovers might prefer to try a traditional massage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Considering the broad-reaching, and entirely subjective, nature of wellness as a concept, there's a wellness travel experience for every type of traveller on every continent.&nbsp;What are the benefits of wellness tourism for travel distributors?Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6%, wellness travel is a big part of the global wellness economy. In 2022, it made up $651 billion of the $5.6 trillion wellness industry. At this growth rate, wellness tourism is expected to cross the $1 trillion mark in 2024, and the global wellness economy to reach $8.5 trillion by 2027.&nbsp;Travel distributors can capitalise on bookings for wellness trips from both primary and secondary travellers; here are just a few reasons why wellness tourism is an important travel motivator, and certainly a travel trend to take advantage of:&nbsp;Wellness travel is profitable: Accounting for 18.7% of all tourism spending, wellness travellers spend more money than typical tourists. On average, in 2022, wellness travellers spent &nbsp;$1,764 per international trip, and $668 per domestic trip.&nbsp;Wide range of travel activities: Not only is wellness tourism an integral part of the profitable wellness industry, but the wide-reaching concept of wellness itself means that travellers can - with the help of a broad range of options offered by an expansive travel portfolio - curate an experience that aligns with their preferences, needs and personal beliefs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Choice of different destinations: It is possible to book wellness activities all around the world. The Middle East-North Africa region, in particular, has been a leading region in wellness tourism. With a 61.5% annual growth between 2020 and 2022, the average wellness traveller spends $1,354 in this region. The sheer choice of options for travellers from all walks of life means that wellness tourism is one of the more accessible forms of experiential tourism.Examples of Wellness TourismYou can find more wellness travel experiences, alongside hotels and resorts all around the world, offering bespoke wellness programs and wellness products that can be tailored to each traveller's needs through our Booking Engine.&nbsp;&nbsp;With more than 250,000 accommodation options, including Sustainable Hotels, and 23,000 experiences, our expansive travel product portfolio allows you to offer a comprehensive wellness tourism experience unique to each traveller's requirements.&nbsp;For now, here are some popular wellness experiences for travellers from all walks of life:Spa RetreatsIn 2022, the spa industry had over 181,000 spas, generating $105 billion in revenue. A timeless activity, spa retreats would be a good fit for primary wellness travellers. Check out top-rated spas, such as Winvian Farm in Connecticut, listed in Condé Nast Traveller’s Reader Choice Awards for six years in a row. In Winvian, your clients can choose from 6 spa packages, which include massages, hydrotherapy, oxygen facials, yoga, and reflexology.&nbsp;Make sure to choose the right spa for the right type of traveller. Families can explore multi-generation spas — Zulal Wellness Resort in Qatar has a family bonding retreat, focusing on wellness activities for the whole family. For couples, consider checking out spas in romantic destinations, offering couple massages and wellness treatments.&nbsp;Cultural Wellness ExperiencesExperiential travel is a rising travel trend, with all types of travellers prioritising learning about the culture. Culinary travellers do this by tasting the local food, adventure travellers book trips to explore remote regions, and wellness travellers discover the different wellness traditions.&nbsp;Whether that’s the Aufguss sauna rituals in Central Europe and Germany or the well-known Thai massages in Thailand, many countries have accessible cultural practices that can be experienced through the lens of wellness. One of the best ways to create an accessible but authentic experience for travellers is to look for locally-owned practices, as well as hotels and resorts that provide culturally sensitive and inspired wellness programs for their guests. Not only does this allow travellers a glimpse into the often historically-rich culture of their destination of choice, but it also supports local economies - especially when those hotels, resorts and experiences are run by the region's citizens.&nbsp;For example, in Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos in Mexico, Mexican folk-healing therapies inspire the hotel’s wellness offerings, making it possible to experience mezcal-infused massages, herbal aromatherapy, energy cleansing rituals, and more.Outdoor Wellness Activities&nbsp;A 2019 study found that spending a minimum of 120 minutes a week is good for health and well-being. Whether that’s taking a walk, swimming, or going on a retreat in a remote town, your clients might be looking for outdoor wellness activities after staying inside for long work weeks. For sports enthusiasts, recommend physical activity-based events, such as yoga camps or fitness programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are always interesting country-specific destinations — Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, for example, offers outdoor massages and float therapy. Similarly, Japan is the birthplace of forest bathing, a philosophy aiming to reduce stress by nature immersion. For a complete disconnection from daily life, explore silent retreats, where participants stay quiet throughout the event while engaging in activities like meditation and walks in nature.&nbsp;Sleep WellnessSleep travel is in the spotlight. To invest in sleep, Hilton uses high-quality mattresses, while equipping some of its hotels with temperature-controlled beds, sound-absorbing walls, and smart technology. Hyatt also joined the sleep travel trend, creating a Restorative Sleep Suite in New York with a special AI-powered bed.&nbsp;Besides hotels, experiences that improve visitors’ sleep are trending — star bathing and forest bathing are both thought to reduce stress and improve sleep quality by boosting melatonin. For where sleep meets tech, check out resorts and high-tech wellness programmes. Kamalaya Koh Samui in Thailand has a dedicated sleep wellness program, featuring traditional massages, mentoring sessions, and IV therapy.Technology in WellnessIt’s possible to find high-tech wellness programmes in medical spas, retreats, and wellness centres around the world. These programmes could be related to beauty, fitness, anti-aging, or mindfulness, helping clients reach their wellness goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Spain, for example, SHA Medical Spa has The Rebalance &amp; Energise Programme, offering ozone therapy to stimulate the immune system. While in Bali travellers can experience a truly bespoke wellness program in many of the unique resorts in this stunning location, with deep roots in the Ayurvedic wellness practice. Experiences can include holistic treatments to achieve internal balance, right through to tech-powered treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen chambers, sleep enhancement technology, and Microbiome facials.&nbsp;&nbsp;Like what you see?&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up with Hotelbeds or log in to your account to get amazing wellness deals for your clients. You’ll also get the latest offers, campaigns, and promotions from our portfolio of hotels and experiences — both for wellness travel and other travel trends.&nbsp;

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Travel Trends: Wellness Tourism

&nbsp;Music tourism has seen significant growth in the last few years, particularly since the pandemic when live and in-person experiences were largely impossible for many travellers around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;This growing trend sits in conjunction with the rise in popularity of experiential tourism (link), one of the more notable shifts in traveller behaviours within the industry. Travellers are prioritising travel governed by both immersive and cultural events, activities and experiences to enrich their trips. What used to be a niche interest is now becoming a globally impactful tourism trend for today's, and tomorrow's, travel industry.&nbsp;Findings from Amadeus have shown that music tourism plays a vital role in stimulating local economies. Notable global artists such as Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Beyonce have been found to have a substantial impact on search and booking volumes for destinations featured on their tour schedules. For instance, flights to Romania saw a surge of up to 91%, while Athens experienced a 62% increase in interest. Beyonce's performance in Sweden during her Renaissance World Tour drew a massive crowd of around 90,000 to Stockholm, highlighting the power of music tourism in driving economic growth.&nbsp;Daniel Batchelor, Vice President, Global Corporate Marketing &amp; Communications at Amadeus, said:&nbsp;&nbsp;“Consumer research shows that this year travellers are on the lookout for new experiences. And what better experience can there be than sharing a music festival or concert with friends, family or like-minded fans?”&nbsp;What Are the Opportunities for Travel Providers?As part of our strategic focus on the growth of experiential tourism and the exploration of key travel trends for 2024, music tourism is in alignment with the behaviour of many global travellers. They are actively pursuing experiences that resonate with their beliefs and preferences, as well as immersing themselves in their chosen destination. Music tourism offers unique and memorable experiences catered to all types of travellers.&nbsp;In fact, Amadeus has also suggested that music tourism is one of the ‘key drivers of European tourism in 2024’, and so it stands to reason that this will continue to be a key driver of travel trends for years to come.&nbsp;So then, the question remains: what about the opportunities for travel providers when it comes to music travel and tourism?&nbsp;InsightsOur innovative recommendation tool, Insights, has been tailor-made for travel providers to enhance efficiency in your daily tasks and keep you at the forefront of travel industry trends.&nbsp;How? By using an internal algorithm to determine market-specific trends based on several key factors including:SeasonalityHistorical search dataReal-time customer bookingsHistorical booking data&nbsp;This means Insights can provide recommendations based on customer bookings in your market, offering you destinations more likely to be booked by your ideal audience. &nbsp;&nbsp;As a unique web portal, Insights transforms complex booking data into a user-friendly interface, that allows you as the provider, full control over your recommendations. Save, Anchor or Discard your recommendations as they are served to you, for even better personalisation in the future, allowing you to even easier identify which destinations, hotels and experiences offer the most potential for your business and your profits.&nbsp;So, how is this relevant to travel trends, and therefore music tourism? &nbsp;&nbsp;Well, Insights allows you to keep up with increasing demand in your market, and considering the fact that some global artists drive significant shifts in destination demand, especially for tours, Insights allows you to track real-time bookings and competitor activity. Leveraging data intelligence on these crucial factors, you can react promptly to meet the surge in demand.&nbsp;Sign up today to access this useful recommendation tool.&nbsp;Travel PackagesIt is evident that there is a significant demand for music-centric experiences among super fans and casual music lovers worldwide. There is a unique opportunity for collaboration between travel providers, event organisers, and host destinations to curate enticing and memorable experiences as these sectors intersect.&nbsp;In a prime demonstration of this intersectional collaboration, the organisers of Tomorrowland, a prominent European music festival located on the outskirts of Antwerp, Belgium, are providing international music enthusiasts the opportunity to reserve travel packages that include the chance to explore Belgium before immersing themselves in performances by top DJs from around the globe.&nbsp;Consider how you as a travel provider might be able to curate enticing packages that could boost your sales. Here are some key considerations, though, for capitalising on music events and experiences as extra revenue:&nbsp;Identify music travel experiences which align with our ideal market or customer. Sometimes, smaller and more ‘obscure’ events offer more opportunities than events on a grander scale. &nbsp;Keep your packages concise and focused, to avoid confusing travellers.Ensure that travellers have the flexibility to amend the travel dates to either arrive before, or stay on after the event or experience you’re curating their trip around.Navigate package prices carefully, as after all, the lead price is what gets you traffic and keeps people moving through the booking process.&nbsp;And of course when curating packages, a travel booking platform with integrated cross-selling and upselling functionalities can greatly simplify the process and provide a comprehensive booking experience. You can easily find, and book, our vast portfolio of products and services, with easy access to exclusive and differentiated properties, offers, and rate types; but also experiences and mobility services such as tickets, car hire and transfers.&nbsp;Our Booking Engine allows you to:&nbsp;Build itineraries for each customer whether they’re simple or complex.Offer add-ons at the time of booking (and after) to offer truly end-to-end travel plans.Provide flexible payment options to cater to a range of budgets.Choose from over 250,000 hotels and 23,000 experiences to build out the perfect, enriched trip no matter each client’s preferences.&nbsp;Sign up today to start maximising every booking with this comprehensive travel booking platform.&nbsp;What are the Key Drivers of Music Tourism?Music festivals - these are undeniably one of the most influential factors in the realm of music tourism. Some of these festivals attract millions of visitors, profoundly affecting the local economy and the worldwide demand for travel services to, from, and within these locations.&nbsp;Social Media Travel Marketing - The digital age has significantly impacted the accessibility and expansion of music tourism. Shared experiences are now easily accessible on user feeds and explore pages, while recommended videos delivered through algorithms can influence travel choices. Additionally, user-generated content like uploaded sets and performances on platforms such as YouTube has been available for a long time.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unique Experiential Tourism - The cornerstone of music tourism hinges on its distinctive quality; the ambience produced and felt at festivals or concerts, a sensation often unattainable through virtual or digital means. This unique element draws in travellers seeking authentic and unforgettable experiences during their journeys, and lends itself well as a lens through which experiential tourism, a key trend in the last few years, can be explored for travellers with different preferences and interests.&nbsp;Personalisation Opportunities for Travel Sellers - There is a music and arts festival for every traveller preference, allowing for a greater degree of personalisation when it comes to travellers' perfect musical itinerary. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Emotional Synergy Between Music and Travel - The connection between music and travel is deeply rooted in the emotional and evocative nature of both experiences. It is no surprise that they are often intertwined, as music can elevate the overall travel experience, creating a unique and impactful form of tourism.&nbsp;For travellers, whether they are heading to a local venue to catch a small band, embarking on a long journey to see their favourite artist in a stadium tour, or planning a trip to a festival to join thousands of fellow music enthusiasts, there is a music event out there that will surely get them in the groove.&nbsp;And with music festivals as one of the main drivers of this type of travel, let’s look at just a handful of some of the different festivals out there, each of which draws its own type of traveller and experience-seeker.&nbsp;Inspiration: A Selection of Popular Music Festivals and EventsHere are a handful of recommendations worth travelling for!EuropeHailed for its romantic cities and diverse cultures, Europe also plays host to some of the world’s most famous music festivals! &nbsp;For community-seekers – Glastonbury, UK; 2000 Trees, UK; Sziget, Budapest.For hard rockers – Download Festival, UK; Rock Im Park &amp; Rock Am Ring, Germany.For world music – WOMAD, UK; Sziget, Budapest; Primavera Sound, Barcelona.For arts and culture - The Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland draws thousands of visitors, as one of the most popular arts and culture festivals in the world.For the biggest crowds – Tomorrowland, Belgium; Sonar, Barcelona; Lollapalooza, multiple cities.North America &amp; CanadaIt is widely known that events such as Coachella in California and Lollapalooza in Chicago (and now globally) are among the many annual festivals held in the United States that have had a significant impact on the festival industry. While these are highly acclaimed international events, there are numerous other festivals throughout the country that cater to a wide range of musical tastes.For Blues &amp; Jazz,- Since 1984, the Chicago Blues Festival has been the world's largest free blues festival; New Orleans Jazz &amp; Heritage Festival, which spans 7 days!For Hip-hop, R&amp;B – Friends and Lovers, Las Vegas; Rolling Loud, Miami; Something In The Water, VA.For Indigenous Culture – the Indigenous Music and Arts festival at Ganondagan; Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in Ottawa.For the classics, world music -Festival d'été de Québec, VELD Music Festival, Canada.For relaxation - Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Tennessee.Central and South AmericaFor celebrations of Latin music - Baja Beach Fest, Mexico; PAAX GNP Festival. Mexico, for classical musicians, ballet, opera, and dance performers.For a party - Empire Music Festival, Guatemala; Time Warp Festival, Brazil; Baum Festival, Colombia; Primavera Sound Festival Buenos Aires, Argentina.&nbsp;Asia Pacific &nbsp;What could be better than providing year-round music opportunities? While the current season aligns with the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, there are numerous must-see music festivals in Asia Pacific destinations that shouldn't be overlooked by travellers.Australia &nbsp;For Australia’s biggest – Vivid Sydney; Splendour In The Grass.For community - Rainbow Spirit Festival; Byron Bay Blues Fest; Lost Paradise Festival.For a travelling festival – Laneway Festival (Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney).For First Nations culture – Parrtjima - A Festival in Light; Barunga Festival; Desert Mob.South KoreaWhile C-pop and J-pop have been making waves in Western media for decades, the more recent skyrocketing popularity of K-pop is making South Korea turn musical heads no matter the continent! &nbsp;For world-class stage productions – Seoul, for a K-pop performance! The city hosts many solo and group performances from the industry's best acts.For immersive experiences – SMTown Live, with performances from world-renowned groups. The 2024 event went overseas to Tokyo!For showcase events – KCON; Weverse Con Festival; Seoul World DJ Festival, and Seoul Jazz Festival, which offer three days of performances from acclaimed artists to local indie acts.JapanFor international rock and electronic – Fuji Rock Festival (Japan’s biggest), Summer Sonic, and Ultra Japan.For showcase events - MBC Music Core in Japan; KCON Japan.For a good cause – Greenroom Festival, based on the ethos of ‘Save The Beach, Save The Ocean’For tradition – Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto; Hakata Dontaku Matsuri; Kyoto Gion Matsuri for incredible parades, traditional music and festivities that can last a whole month! &nbsp;South AsiaFor awe-inspiring crowds – Sunburn Festival, Goa – Asia’s largest music festival, which attracts around 1 million music-lovers.For international and eclectic line ups – Creamfields, Taiwan; S2O Songkran Music Festival, Thailand; We The Fest, Indonesia; Clockenflap, Hong Kong.For a ship-shape festival - It’s The Ship, Asia’s largest festival at sea, which makes its way from Busan through Nagasaki, Japan and back to Busan.For unforgettable locations - Great Wall Festival, China. Techno on the Great Wall, it’s not to be missed! &nbsp;&nbsp;While this list is not comprehensive, it should give you a good understanding of the value of music tourism and how you can start taking advantage of this trend if you haven't already.&nbsp;For timesaving, valuable tools and services that will maximise the way you work, why not sign up to become one of our valuable clients?&nbsp;Gain access to intuitive tools like Insights, which helps you track and keep ahead of travel trends, as well as our powerful travel booking platform.&nbsp;

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Travel Trends: The Rise of Music and Concert Tourism

What is luxury culinary tourism?&nbsp;World Food Travel Association defines food tourism, also referred to as gastrotourism, as travelling for a taste of place to get a sense of place. For luxury travellers, one of 2024’s top trends is luxury culinary tourism, for whom this type of travel experience is one of the key motivators behind exploring a destination, whether it's new or familiar.&nbsp;Cuisine is one of the best ways to truly be immersed in a culture, destination, or community, and given that there has been a notable shift towards experience-centric tourism for today's traveller, it comes as no surprise that food tourism is one of the most popular travel trends in recent years!&nbsp;A growing market, luxury culinary tourism refers to experiencing local gastronomy through the lens of luxury travel. For travellers interested in this trend, gastronomy and tourism go hand in hand — food is often the key driver behind travel activities.&nbsp;Who are the luxury culinary travellers?and what activities do they want?&nbsp;Between 2024 and 2030, food tourism is expected to be the fastest-growing segment of luxury travel, increasing at a CAGR of 7.6%. Appealing to travellers of all generations, luxury culinary travel includes trying out unique foods, visiting Michelin-starred restaurants, and attending food-related events such as cooking classes and festivals.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to surveys by Hilton, American Express, and Visa, travellers are prioritising local experiences, both in food travel and in general. Here are some statistics that stand out:81% of travellers are most excited about trying local foods and cuisines.79% of travellers like trying completely new food options while travelling.In 2023, over half of world travellers said their favourite culinary travel activity was visiting local restaurants. The next most popular activities were food festivals (46%), local food tours (41%), and wine tastings (39%). In 2024, Gen Z and Millennials expressed interest in discovering the local bar scene.Compared to other generations, Gen Z and Baby Boomers were expected to budget the highest amount of money for culinary experiences and experiential tourism.Chinese travellers are estimated to be the top spenders in the travel industry in 2025 with a travel spend of $255.4 billion, followed by American ($134.1 billion) and German ($96.7 billion) travellers.&nbsp;Top destinations for luxury culinary tourismFrom Michelin-starred restaurants, food festivals, to world-class wines, gastronomy experiences and more — these destinations have you covered when it comes to luxury food tourism.1. USA for high-end world cuisineIn the USA, large cities often have restaurants from all over the world. New York, in particular, is a favorite among luxury travellers. From Italian restaurants with regional pasta-tasting menus to Japanese omakase restaurants, the Big Apple is the place to be for high-end world cuisine. In 2023, the city received twelve new stars (8 One Stars, 2 Two Stars, and 2 Green Stars), diversifying its Michelin Guide selection. If your clients enjoy festivals, recommend the New York City Wine &amp; Food Festival, which includes chef-hosted dinners, cocktail-making master classes, and walk-around tastings.&nbsp;Another foodie hotspot is New Orleans, distinguished by its Cajun and Creole cuisine. The city has over 1,400 restaurants and a rich history, so consider booking a food tour or even a cocktail tour&nbsp;where your clients can discover the rich food culture and history of this diverse destination. It's worth noting that New Orleans has many family-owned restaurants, such as Antoine’s, operated by the fifth generation, and Café Du Monde, known for its New Orleans-style beignets.&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Mexico for authenticity and delicious cocktailsSince 2010, traditional Mexican cuisine has been a part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List. This is thanks to years of traditions related to farming, rituals, and culinary techniques. To start with Mexico’s fine dining scene, book a table at Pujol in Mexico City. At Pujol, chef Enrique Olvera aims to showcase Mexican gastronomy traditions with a modern twist, and has a signature dish called mole madre.&nbsp;For an unforgettable culinary travel experience why not offer an evening of entertainment with an exquisite tasting at Bellini Revolving restaurant, boasting a 360-degree vista of the city, followed by a colourful and evocative garibaldi performance at&nbsp;Garibaldi Plaza, the Plaza of the Mariachis.&nbsp;Making up one of Mexico's local dishes, mole is a sauce that is thought to originate from either Puebla or Oaxaca, and both cities are worth a visit for their food scenes. In Puebla, your clients can try the special mole poblano and go on a local market tour. In Oaxaca, the food capital of Mexico, you can book a chocolate-making workshop, a visit to a mezcal distillery, or a private cooking class. If your clients prefer tequila to mezcal, suggest a trip to the town of Tequila in Jalisco. Here, in the very city tequila comes from, they can visit tequila distilleries to learn more about the iconic beverage.&nbsp;Access&nbsp;experiences like this and more with our expansive global portfolio of experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up today or log in to curate the perfect getaway for your luxury travellers.&nbsp;3. France for fine dining in the city and countrysideFrance is the country with the most Michelin-starred restaurants. As of 2023, there are 625 restaurants with one, two, or three stars. Your clients’ gourmet experience starts in Paris with a luxury food tour, discovering French wine, cheese, and macarons.&nbsp;For another taste of the unique, why not offer a gastronomic experience with a celestial twist with a sumptuous gourmet food tasting under the stars? Around 90 miles east of Paris is France’s Champagne region, protected by an AOC (controlled designation of origin) label. This means that champagne can only be produced in this region, making it ideal to book a champagne tour to visit local producers and taste this special sparkling wine.&nbsp;&nbsp;France’s second city Lyon is known as its gastronomic capital. &nbsp;Home to late chef Paul Bocuse’s primary restaurant, L’Auberge, the city also has a gourmet food market called Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse&nbsp;which is a must-visit for foodies. Wine tours and wine-tasting events are also all around France, with exceptional wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Beaujolais scattered all around the country. For a truly authentic fine-dining experience, head to the restaurants in the countryside, where it’s possible to find Michelin-starred lunch menus for less than €50.&nbsp;4. Italy for wine and luxury cooking classesIn a survey by World Population Review, Italian food was crowned as the best cuisine in the world. Recommend your clients a luxury cooking vacation, which is gaining popularity in the country. In these holidays, visitors experience Italian cuisine to its core, picking vegetables in the garden, having cooking classes with chefs, touring vineyards, and dining in Michelin-starred restaurants. And for travellers who enjoy a taste of authenticity, why not suggest they enjoy a four-course meal cooked by local experts?&nbsp;Besides cooking vacations, check out wine-tasting tours in Tuscany, especially in the famous Chianti region. Not only does this region offer excellent vineyards and distilleries to visit, but your clients can also visit olive oil producers, and have Tuscan snacks in the region. All around Italy, you can find a wide range of pasta-making classes, usually including a complimentary drink, be it an Aperol Spritz or Italian wine.&nbsp;5. Japan for culinary variety&nbsp;Tokyo is a city with one of the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, with over 200 one-, two-, or three-starred restaurants, making it a perfect starting point when exploring Japan for food tourism enthusiasts. Book your clients a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant to do the city justice — Sushi Marufuku for example, has a unique way of preparing dry-aged sushi with vacuum technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Kyoto, book a tea ceremony to experience a 400-year-old tradition, one that is spiritual and awakening at the same time. Many of these ceremonies last for one to two hours, and often have an English-speaking guide, allowing travellers to feel rejuvenated by the selection of traditional teas and snacks. There are also usually options to rent a kimono to take beautiful commemorative photos. Japan is not short of interesting foods to try — seafood lovers would enjoy Okinawa’s distinct cuisine featuring green caviar and tiger prawns. For those who enjoy the highest quality steak, there’s Kobe, the city of the world-famous Kobe beef.&nbsp;6. Singapore for hotels and innovative restaurantsIn Hilton’s 2024 survey, 82% of respondents said they wanted to have a good restaurant in their hotel. This puts the spotlight on Singapore’s high-quality hotel restaurants and daycation packages. For example, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay is a hotel that has both — it’s home to award-winning Chinese restaurant Peach Blossoms and 11-hour daycation packages offering access to restaurants along with other facilities for those who may not have itinerary space to stay overnight.&nbsp;Singapore’s food scene is influenced by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European cuisines, making it a great destination to try out fusion restaurants. The country has a total of 55 Michelin-starred restaurants featuring 30 different cuisine types. All these restaurants stand out as innovative eateries, combining techniques from diverse world cuisines. For a night to remember, book a sky dining experience, a 90-minute dinner on the Singapore Flyer, overlooking the city’s skyline.&nbsp;So there you have it. Some incredible destinations offer truly unforgettable food travel experiences for travellers with a keen preference for luxury culinary tourism. From cooking classes to being immersed in local culture, to dining in the very best restaurants, luxury has come to mean so many different things to all travellers, so make sure to explore what luxury means to your clients, and curate a one-of-a-kind experience perfectly tailored to their needs.&nbsp;Sign up with Hotelbeds today, or log in to offer the best luxury food tourism experiences to your customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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