The travel and tourism industry remains optimistic for the year ahead, with global outbound travel continuing to recover.
According to the latest data from IPK International’s World Travel Monitor, released ahead of the ITB Berlin 2025 trade show, international tourism has made a strong comeback, reaching 2019 levels again.
The data reveals a 13 percent year-on-year increase in outbound travel, indicating that the industry has fully recovered from the pandemic. The growth in business travel and strong performance from Asia are particularly encouraging, with rising travel costs failing to dampen people’s enthusiasm for travel in 2025.
Outbound travel sees remarkable growth
Outbound travel is experiencing dynamic growth, with Asian travelers driving much of this rebound.
After a prolonged decline during the pandemic, travel from Asia has risen by 33 percent, though it is still 15 percent below pre-pandemic levels.
Other regions are also showing positive trends, with European and Latin American outbound travel rising by 9 percent and North American travel increasing by 7 percent compared to 2023. In fact, European and North American outbound travel has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
Top destinations and travel trends
Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Photo source: Visit Europe
Spain continues to top the list of international travel destinations, followed by the United States, with strong demand also for European countries like Germany, France, and Italy. Other popular destinations include Mexico, Turkey, the UK, and Austria.
Holidays remain the primary reason for international travel, with sun-and-beach vacations and city breaks seeing significant growth in 2024. Round trips, which allow travelers to explore multiple destinations on one trip, are also increasingly popular.
Business travel: MICE segment driving growth
The business travel sector is expanding, with the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) segment leading the charge. This segment now accounts for nearly two-thirds of business trips, with a growth rate well above average. By contrast, traditional business travel is growing at a more moderate pace, due to new business models and increasing digitalization. The “bleisure” trend — combining business trips with leisure activities — remains popular, continuing to contribute to the growth of business travel.
Hotels and direct bookings lead accommodation trends
Traditional hotels remain the preferred choice for most travelers due to their service and wide range of offerings. However, alternative accommodations such as holiday apartments and private short-term rentals are becoming increasingly popular. The number of travelers opting to stay with friends or relatives remains stable.
Travel booking trends are also evolving. Over 90 percent of travelers now book their accommodations in advance. While bookings through travel agencies remain steady, direct bookings through accommodation providers and transport companies are on the rise, reflecting a desire for more flexibility and control over travel arrangements.
Positive outlook for 2025: Quality and experiences take center stage
Looking ahead, the demand for international travel in 2025 remains high. Many destinations have already reached or surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with others showing promising growth potential.
Travelers are increasingly prioritizing quality and experiences when choosing destinations. High-quality accommodation, scenic surroundings, and exceptional culinary experiences play a crucial role in travelers’ satisfaction. Cultural highlights and good value for money are also significant factors influencing travel decisions. These trends suggest that authentic, high-quality travel experiences will continue to drive the industry forward.
For those attending ITB Berlin 2025, taking place from March 4 to 6, the ITB Berlin Convention will provide further insights into these emerging trends and the future of global travel.
Follow GTP Headlines on Google News to keep up to date with all the latest on tourism and travel in Greece.
Source link
