What’s next for travel? Travel industry insights 2025

Top travel industry trends 2025

The travel industry is undergoing a significant transformation as we move through 2025 and look ahead to 2026. Developing technologies, changing consumer preferences, and global events are reshaping how we travel. At TravelOperations, we’ve analyzed the latest trends to help you navigate the future of travel in 2025 and 2026. Here’s a comprehensive look at the top trends defining the future of travel.

1. Solo travel surge

Solo travel is experiencing a renaissance. According to a survey by American Express, 69% of travelers are planning a solo trip this year. Notably, younger generations are more open to traveling alone, with 76% of Gen Z and Millennials expressing interest. Google searches for “solo travel” have increased by 223% over the last decade, indicating a growing trend toward independent exploration.

Solo travelers often seek self-care, flexibility, and the opportunity to meet new people, making this a significant trend in 2025 and beyond. To meet this demand, travel companies must integrate ERP data across departments such as sales, marketing, and operations to ensure seamless delivery of personalized services. Additionally, CRM helps collect and analyze traveler data, such as preferences, past bookings, and feedback, to deliver highly personalized offers, itineraries, and communication.

2. Sustainable travel solutions

Sustainability has become a top priority. Eco-conscious travelers seek carbon-neutral flights, green accommodations, and transparent carbon tracking in travel options. While travelers engage with brands offering responsible travel, the behind-the-scenes magic happens in systems that track resource usage and operational footprints. ERP platforms quietly monitor environmental impact and optimize resource allocation, enabling providers to offer genuine sustainable travel solutions. Meanwhile, CRMs communicate these commitments effectively, connecting with customers who value eco-friendly choices.

In 2023, 76% of travelers reported that sustainability matters significantly more to them than it did in 2021. However, about half of travelers feel green options are too expensive. – Global Market Insights Inc.

3. Smart travel technology for a perfect experience

Smart travel technology, including IoT devices, increases traveler convenience and engagement. As travelers expect faster check-ins and immersive experiences, businesses turn to ERP systems to improve workflows like automated expense reporting or maintenance scheduling for hotel rooms and facilities. At the same time, CRM platforms automate customer touchpoints, providing instant support and personalized notifications.

4. Blended business and leisure travel (bleisure)

The rise of remote work has led to an increase in bleisure travel, where business trips are extended for leisure purposes. This trend is driving the development of flexible stay packages and curated city experiences that cater to both business and personal needs. Destinations and accommodations are adapting to this shift by offering amenities and services that support work-life balance.

Recent statistics show that the United States is home to nearly 17 million digital nomads, a clear sign of how remote work continues to reshape travel and lifestyle trends.

5. Event-driven tourism growth

Global events, such as the FIFA 2026 World Championship, spark surges in travel demand. Capitalizing on these spikes requires precise planning. ERP systems coordinate logistics, vendor relationships, and capacity management, making event-driven tourism scalable. CRMs help maintain customer relationships by delivering relevant offers and updates related to these events.

6. Spontaneous travel bookings are increasing

More and more people are choosing to travel without much planning. Instead of booking trips months in advance, today’s travelers often decide to go somewhere just a few days or even hours before they leave. This trend, called spontaneous travel, has led to a big rise in last-minute bookings. To keep up with this change, travel companies need to be flexible. They must be able to offer the right prices at the right time and quickly update which rooms, tours, or flights are still available. This is where technology comes in.

CRM systems help by looking at booking patterns and customer behavior. They can tell when someone is likely to book a last-minute trip and help send the right offers or deals at the perfect time. On the other hand, ERP systems take care of the behind-the-scenes work. They automatically update prices and availability, enabling agencies to respond quickly, avoid overbookings, and still generate a profit. By using both CRM and ERP tools, travel companies can meet the needs of spontaneous travelers while running their operations smoothly.

A McKinsey survey revealed that companies have fast-tracked the digital transformation of their customer engagement, supply chain processes, and internal operations by three to four years.

7. Rise of “Microcations”

Short, frequent trips known as “microcations” are becoming more popular than long vacations. Thanks to remote work and flexible schedules, many travelers now take weekend getaways or short visits to multiple cities. These trips offer a quick escape without requiring too much time off.

Travel companies are responding by creating pre-planned, easy-to-book packages. These often include transportation, accommodation, and suggested activities. Microcations reflect a shift in the traveler mindset, people want meaningful, high-quality experiences, even if they’re short. It’s all about making the most of limited time.

CRM systems help identify customers who are likely to book short trips and send them timely, relevant offers. ERP platforms ensure real-time coordination of availability, pricing, and logistics across multiple short-stay packages.

Over 70% of travelers book trips entirely online, which includes flights, hotels, tours, and mobile devices are used for more than 70% of travel-related searches and bookings.   Statista

Short, frequent trips known as microcations are becoming more popular than long vacations. Thanks to remote work and flexible schedules, many travelers now take weekend getaways or short visits to multiple cities. These trips offer a quick escape without needing too much time off. Travel companies are responding by creating pre-planned, easy-to-book packages. These often include transportation, accommodation, and suggested activities. Microcations reflect a shift in traveler mindset, people want meaningful, high-quality experiences, even if they’re short. CRM systems help identify customers who are likely to book short trips and send them timely, relevant offers. ERP platforms ensure real-time coordination of availability, pricing, and logistics across multiple short-stay packages.

8. Regenerative travel

Regenerative travel is a growing trend where travelers aim to leave a place better than they found it. This goes beyond just reducing harm. It includes giving back through actions like volunteering, planting trees, or supporting local businesses. Many travelers now look for stays and tours that help protect nature or support communities. Resorts and tour operators are also stepping up by offering carbon offset options and funding conservation projects. This type of travel meets the growing demand for more responsible and impactful experiences. CRM tools enable travel companies to promote eco-positive options to travelers who value sustainability, while ERP systems track and manage the operational aspects of carbon offsets, donations, and partnerships with local communities.

There were 17.3 million digital nomads in the U.S. in 2023, which rose to 18.1 million in 2024—a 131% increase since 2019.

Also read 10 travel statistics from Q1 2025 that travel agencies shouldn’t miss to get inspired! Click here