The latest, greatest trends in global travel
As 2025 approaches and travellers start thinking about where they’ll go next year, it’s the perfect time to share the most exciting industry and traveller trends we’re seeing on a global and regional level – from spending habits to the hottest new destinations.
This edition of Horizons brings together our proprietary search and booking data with a survey of 19,000 travellers worldwide to reveal a unique forward-looking view of changing attitudes, planning and destination trends.
Travel remains a priority
We’re continuing to see significant shifts in technology and artificial intelligence fundamentally rebuilding the way travel providers and consumers connect, explore and buy within the travel ecosystem.
Spending demographics are evolving too. Research from OAG shows that, as of this year, Millennials are now contributing to half of all air travel spending, with Gen Z’s spending power also rising.* With this comes a whole new set of expectations from a generation used to doing things on their terms.
The appetite for travel seen post-Covid hasn't waned either. Despite the cost of living squeezing budgets, travel continues to remain a priority – but travellers increasingly want to explore in ways that suit them and that are aligned to their values.
A major theme we’ve seen this year is how the search for community is driving travel behaviour. More than ever, travellers want experiences they can share alongside others with similar interests, to enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves. This sense of belonging is being explored in many ways – from sports events and immersive art installations to gaming vacations.
The question is: How can travel providers and destinations meet this demand and desire to travel?
"Many airlines are adopting new technologies, and at pace, to better serve travellers and respond to market demand. This includes through AI-driven revenue management decisions and more personalised and dynamic offers. At the same time, airlines are grappling with global macro-economic pressures and geo-political issues which are putting strain on routes and profitability.
"However, our data shows that travel demand remains resilient, and travellers are adapting their itineraries as they seek out collective experiences. This blend of resilience, ingenuity and innovation from both travellers and airlines looks set to make next year a transformative one for all. Looking ahead, we expect the market to become more active with seat sales and promotions as airlines compete for share of wallet."
Hugh Aitken,
VP, Strategic Relations & Development, Skyscanner
"2024 has seen international passenger traffic finally surpass its pre-pandemic peak, although the recovery remains uneven and there are still gaps to be filled in some regions. The trends and research highlighted in Skyscanner's Horizons report for 2024-25 illustrate that international travel demand will continue to expand and remain resilient in 2025.
"However, we at CAPA are also seeing the pace of growth start to progressively slow against increasing headwinds around economic activity, shifting consumer preferences and sustainability. And faced with these challenges, airlines are concentrating on expanding connectivity, improving their operational efficiency and leveraging new technologies and data to enhance both their own performance and the services provided to the traveller."
Marco Navarria,
Senior Director, Content & Marketing, CAPA, Centre for Aviation
2025 Collective Experiences
Travel behaviour is increasingly being driven by the search for collective experiences. See which ones we've identified for 2025.
2025 Spending Trends
Discover how people’s 2025 travel plans compare with 2024, including how much they’re planning to get away and their budgets for flights, accommodation and car rental.
2025 Planning Trends
See which factors are impacting destination choice, where travellers are getting their trip inspiration and attitudes towards over-tourism and impact.
EMEA Travel Trends
Find out the most popular and fastest trending destinations for travellers from EMEA in 2025.
A global leader in travel
Skyscanner helps over 110 million travellers a month plan and book their next trip with ease and confidence.
This report was built using our proprietary forward-looking Travel Insight data, which reveals changing traveller behaviour and search trends in real time.
Methodology:
Data: Analysis of Skyscanner search data. Top/trending analysis based on searches conducted between January-June 2024 for all departure months and compared to the equivalent period in 2023. Minimum search thresholds applied.
Survey: OnePoll x Skyscanner research conducted August 2024 with 19,000 respondents globally.