Global sales of sun and sea packages are estimated to have reached almost $69 billion in 2022, a 75% increase compared to 2021. Beach holidays accounted for 35% of packages globally — returning to the same proportion they held in 2019.
Forbes
The tourism industry has evolved, adapting to new trends and changes in travelers' habits and preferences, ranging from sustainable holidays to personalized travel and authentic experiences.
In 2022, over 900 million international tourists visited the country, and the sector showed a 63% recovery compared to the pre-pandemic period. This year, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) expects it to reach almost full recovery.
Last year the industry was marked by a series of trends that have continued into 2023 and could extend throughout 2024. Here we tell you what they are and what factors have influenced them, according to a study carried out by Deloitte with the contribution of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
1. Influence of social networks
Today, many people's travel decisions are influenced by social media. A Skyscanner survey revealed that around half of those surveyed made travel plans inspired by content they had seen on Instagram, Facebook (33%), and TikTok (25%), the study notes.
2. Preference for beaches
Global sales of sun and sea packages are estimated to have reached almost $69 billion in 2022, a 75% increase compared to 2021. Beach holidays accounted for 35% of packages globally — returning to the same proportion they held in 2019.
Travel to cities is also trending upward, the report indicates.
3. Less budget
The issue of affordability is particularly important to Generation Z. These younger travelers say they value deals and discounts as the most useful travel resource. When planning a trip, they tend to rank affordability much higher than other factors.
4. Preference for luxury
Although more and more people are looking to travel on a budget, those with money are opting for luxury. The report indicates that the number of bookings for five-star hotels grew by 19% in the first three quarters of 2022, and that sales for luxury hotels worldwide expanded at an average rate of 39% in 2022. First-class and business-class travel have also increased.
Luxury hotel sales are projected to reach around $92 billion by 2025.
5. Package tours
From 2021 onwards, a recovery in business travel became evident, leading to a surge in combined leisure and business trips. One of the factors contributing to this trend is flexible work arrangements.
“To capitalize on this growing trend toward package travel, several governments around the world are introducing specialized visas. Known as “digital nomad” visas, these allow foreign visitors to work remotely in a country for an extended period, usually tax-free,” the report explains.
6. Sustainable travel
More and more travelers are showing a strong commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and are looking for sustainable travel options. How are they doing this? By buying locally sourced products and including activities in their travel itineraries that support local economies; by trying to reduce, reuse, and recycle their travel items; and by choosing travel companies that have a strong sustainability policy that supports local communities and protects the planet.
