Hello friend,

This week’s Feature Story will explore the 2025 key travel trends reported by Expedia and Booking.com and provide you with actionable strategies to harness these insights for a competitive advantage. 

In October, our Co-founder, Jeremy Tran, attended the IGLTA Global Convention in Osaka, Japan. Read below for the key moments and takeaways from the 3-day conference.

Finally, are you a sustainability solution provider and looking to increase your company’s visibility in Asia’s hospitality and travel sector? Scroll down to submit your listing to our Sustainability Solution Providers directory.

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The 2025 Travel Trends Are Out.
Now What?

The travel industry is undergoing significant changes, with new trends reshaping its future. People are no longer just booking the usual trips; they are after unique experiences like nighttime adventures and wellness retreats focused on longevity. These evolving preferences mean the hospitality industry has many opportunities to innovate and get creative.

Leading platforms like Booking.com and Expedia have already shared their travel predictions for 2025, providing valuable insights into the wants and needs of travelers.

However, simply knowing these trends is not enough. The hospitality sector must now leverage them for conscious growth and success.

Noctourism's Nighttime Allure and ‘The PhenomenaList’

The fascination with nighttime adventures and celestial experiences, known as noctourism (nocturnal tourism), is increasingly captivating travelers. According to Michelle Gao, Regional Manager of Mekong and China at Booking.com, 67% of APAC travelers express interest in visiting dark sky destinations, while 61% plan excursions in the evenings and early mornings.

»»» Read Gao’s recommended strategies and examples of hotels leveraging this trend.

Expedia’s The PhenomenaList reveals that travelers are going to great lengths to witness natural wonders. From the Northern Lights (topping the list of desired phenomena at 61%) to geological spectacles like volcanoes and geysers (30%), these breathtaking moments drive preferences for accommodations that offer unobstructed views. 

»»» Read strategies offered by Ludivine Allagnat, Expedia’s Head of B2B Comms, Global Supply, Corporate Communications. 

Wellness Journeys and Longevity Retreats

The pursuit of well-being and longevity is influencing travel choices, with a notable interest in health-focused experiences that offer lasting benefits.

"60% of APAC travelers are interested in a longevity retreat — a super-charged flex on traditional well-being itineraries where temporary fixes are replaced in pursuit of a longer, healthier life," says Gao.

»»» Read more about Gao’s advice.

Men-Only Wellness Retreats

The demand for male-centric wellness and mental health retreats is on the rise, according to Booking.com. This trend reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of mental well-being, fitness, and personal growth among men.

"With cultural change bringing progress to conversations around male mental health and societal pressures, moments that combat loneliness and prioritize more mindful male bonding will prevail in travel. Over half (53%) of APAC travelers confirm they would encourage one of the men in their life to go on a men-only trip," says Gao.

»»» Here’s some actionable advice from Gao.

Alternative Itineraries and Detour Destinations

Expedia introduces the concept of 'Detour Destinations' — hidden gems that are gaining popularity as travelers seek to venture off the beaten path. These destinations, like Fukuoka in Japan and Krabi in Thailand, offer quieter alternatives to bustling tourist spots such as Tokyo and Phuket. Notably, 63% of consumers are inclined to include a 'Detour Destination' in their next itinerary.

»»» Read more about the actionable advice.

‘Spending Kids' Inheritance’ and Multigenerational Travel Adventures

The trend of Spending Kids’ Inheritance (SKI) highlights a shift in priorities among older generations, particularly baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) and the silent generation (born between 1928 and 1945).

According to Booking.com, nearly half of all travelers (46%) would rather invest in life-changing travel experiences than leave behind an inheritance. This sentiment is even stronger among baby boomers, with 49% aligned with this perspective, and 40% of the silent generation opting to channel their resources into unforgettable journeys. 

While this trend places less emphasis on leaving material wealth, it opens the door for meaningful multigeneration trips. More families are prioritizing shared adventures, with 58% of travelers saying their parents have helped finance their vacations. 80% of boomers are willing to fund trips for their children and grandchildren.

JOMO Travel 

According to Expedia, 2025 marks a shift toward vacations that prioritize relaxation and a connection with nature as travelers increasingly seek joyful, low-key experiences. This trend, termed JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) Travel, reflects a departure from the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), as individuals find happiness in laid-back getaways.

“Our research shows that JOMO-focused travelers are most interested in relaxing stays in a variety of climates – such as charming beach houses, secluded lakeside lodges, and cozy mountain chalets,” says Allagnat.

Neuroinclusivity

The travel industry is witnessing an increasing demand for options that cater to neurodivergent individuals.

"More often than not, neurodivergent needs are often not outwardly visible. Over half (54%) of APAC travelers who consider themselves neurodivergent have had a negative experience while traveling due to their neurodivergence, while 50% believe their travel options are limited because of their neurodivergence," says Gao.

Goods Getaways and Vintage Voyaging

Travelers are increasingly interested in unique cultural and circular shopping experiences. They seek not only souvenirs but also authentic connections to local artisans and traditions.

Unique Hotel Dining Experiences

“As demand for 5-star dining experiences becomes more central to a hotel’s appeal, innovative concepts – like partnerships with celebrity chefs, immersive dining experiences, and hyper-local cuisine – are redefining travel offerings,” says Allagnat. “With positive reviews up 40% year-on-year, standout dining undoubtedly drives bookings.”

The Gate Escape and Premier Airport Experiences

Airports are becoming destinations in their own right, with travelers selecting locations based on airport experiences. This trend emphasizes the importance of enhancing pre-flight and layover amenities.

Standout Moments at the IGLTA Global Convention 2024 in Osaka

Dinesh Perera, Founder of Foozoo Travel, Sri Lanka, highlighted, “economic advancement does not automatically produce gender and LGBTQ+ equity.” For example, in Nepal, while economically less developed, the LGBTQ+ community enjoys greater rights than in its neighbors. It is the first South Asian country that had its supreme court order the government to pass same-sex marriage legislation. However, successive governments have failed to do so.

Rudrani Chhertri, Founder and Managing Director of Mitr Trust & Sexual Minority male Association for Rights (SMARt) - India, said, “being a successful tourism business leader means building an ecosystem that can generate impact on its own and brings more people into the fold.”

Dr. Bella Vongvisitsin, Senior Lecturer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, underscored, “Tourism can be a sanctuary or tragedy for trans individuals. It has the power to offer freedom or fuel harm and violence due to transphobia.”

Special thanks to Hotel New Otani Osaka, whose generous sponsorship made AST’s attendance possible. Located near the iconic Osaka Castle Park, this remarkable property embodies not only offers a sweeping view of the iconic 16th-century Osaka Castle, but also embodies the harmony of heritage and hospitality.

Booking.com’s Travel Proud Program

A 2024 Booking.com research shows that 83% of LGBTQ+ travelers feel comfortable when arriving to check in at their accommodation.

This validates one of the world’s largest OTA's decision to launch its now popular Travel Proud program. Today, Booking.com has 83,000+ Travel Proud-certified properties in 15,000+ cities and destinations globally.

Booking.com provides complimentary inclusive hospitality training for accommodations to empower them to better understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travelers and to create an environment where every guest feels truly welcomed—regardless of their background, identity, or whom they love.

The 75-minute Proud Hospitality training is available online and offered in 11 languages at no cost to all Booking.com partners.

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