Predicting travel’s future is as clear as crystal

As we approach Santa’s big day, a number of things are probably getting unpacked right now.

The Christmas tree, the inflatable reindeer and that hideous jumper Aunty Ethel gave you last year.

What is also coming out of its metaphorical box is the old crystal ball.

Predictions for 2025 abound at this time of year; from destinations that we’ll visit to the type of holidays that we’ll take…and who we’ll be taking along for the ride.

Fortunately for those working in the travel industry, the experts who put these forecasts together are universal in one thing: next year looks to be another cracker for travellers and ipso facto, travel agents.

“If one thing is clear, it’s that travel is indeed back.” That statement comes from Robin Lawther, Vice President of Expedia TAAP, who have mined their travel data for 2024 in a bid to predict what consumers will want in 2025.

This insightful information has been provided to enable travel agents to maintain and grow their business. https://www.expedia.com/unpack-travel-trends

“In 2024, solo travel continued its rise in popularity, making up 30% of all Expedia TAAP bookings, while couples’ travel dominated with 53%,” comments Mr Lawther.

“This shift in travel patterns highlights the need for travel agents to curate experiences and excursions for these smaller groups in 2025.

“Offering itineraries with options for personalisation and flexibility can meet the desires of these groups while tapping into their penchant for unique and experience-based travel.”

Asia was the hot destination for 2024, with Tokyo, Singapore, Kyoto, Osaka, Hong Kong, and Bangkok particularly popular. The Japanese capital is expected to lead the way again heading into 2025.

Looking at travel trends, the boffins at Expedia say off the beaten path (or Detour Destinations) are gaining in popularity, along with JOMO travel (Joy Of Missing Out), which involves avoiding holidays in densely packed tourist hotspots.

“As travellers increasingly seek immersive experiences, agents have a significant opportunity to expand their offerings. Building packages that include local tours, cultural experiences, or adventure activities can cater to this growing demand.”

The Expedia findings are echoed by others in the travel industry. Writing exclusively for this issue of Traveltalk, Laura Rieveley of Smartvisit says behaviour, technology and generational shifts are redefining the future of travel.

“Modern travellers are bolder, more demanding and fuelled by an unquenchable thirst for unique, meaningful experiences,” Laura writes.

“This focus on the “real” over the “touristy” is reshaping how destinations market themselves, creating opportunities for local economies while placing pressure on the industry to ensure these experiences remain genuine.”

When it comes to who is driving the changes in travel, Laura has no doubt who’s at the steering wheel.

“Gen Z is in the driver’s seat. As Gen Z continues to influence the industry, their demands will ripple outward, prompting innovations that benefit travellers of all ages.”

So where does all this leave the hard working travel agents of Australia?

“With agencies busier than ever, the focus for 2025 needs to be efficiency. Travel agents who adapt to changing trends and embrace evolving tools are well-positioned to thrive,” comments Mr Lawther.

“By harnessing innovative platforms and data-driven insights, agents can not only meet evolving client expectations but also build long-lasting relationships and grow their businesses.”

Not that’s one Christmas wish we’d all like to see come true.

# Everyone here at Traveltalk would like to wish you a happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.