Latest news with #traveltrends
Zawya
6 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Americans slow to book summer travel amid discount hunting
This year's hottest summer travel trend? Waiting for deals. Americans are scaling back travel plans from flights to drives or waiting to book only if the price is right, a tell-tale sign of an industry slowdown that's got travel companies worried. Hotel summer bookings are either flat or falling from last year, and airline bookings are down even though airfares have also declined, as economic concerns fuel a pullback in spending. Travel companies including Delta Air Lines, Marriott International, and online travel agency Booking Holdings have withdrawn or revised their 2025 annual forecasts as U.S. demand softens. Airbnb flagged shrinking booking windows as consumers take a "wait-and-see" approach and book trips closer to their check-in dates. That has left companies with less visibility into the second half of the year. Delta said in early April it was premature to project the full year given macroeconomic uncertainty. United Airlines said there's a reasonable chance that bookings could weaken. "It's very clear that consumers are waiting to make decisions, including for the summer," Southwest Airlines CEO Robert Jordan said at the Bernstein Annual Strategic Decisions Conference in late May, adding that demand was stable but lower than expected in January. U.S. summer flight bookings are down 10% year-over-year, according to Flighthub, an online travel agency, even though airfares have dropped. "You can't keep an airline seat on the shelf in a warehouse. If you don't fill that seat tomorrow and the airplane flies, it's gone," Steve Hafner, CEO of Kayak, a Booking Holdings unit, told Reuters. Average summer flight prices declined 7%, with flights to long-haul destinations like Sydney, Australia 23% cheaper year-over-year, according to Kayak. Hotel summer bookings in major U.S. cities are flat-to-down year-over-year, according to data from CoStar. Average room rates are expected to rise roughly 1.3% in 2025, down from a 1.8% increase in 2024. "Travel is certainly under some pressure because people are not feeling as comfy as they once did," said Michael Chadwick, CEO of Fiscal Wisdom Wealth Management. WEAKER DOLLAR Travelers may start to find deals, such as a free third night for staying two nights, as hoteliers look to fill rooms, said Jan Freitag, national director of hospitality analytics at CoStar Group. That's what Jackie Lafferty is hoping for. Her summer plans have shifted from a possible family vacation in Hawaii or Florida to her home state of California instead. "By the time we broke down the cost of the flights, the hotel and the rental car, it looked expensive, it felt unreasonable," said Lafferty, a Los Angeles-based public relations director. The dollar's weakness has driven up the cost of overseas vacations. In March, American travelers surveyed by Deloitte had planned to increase budgets for their longest summer trip by 13%. By April, Deloitte's survey found Americans planned on spending about the same as last year. "The dollar is just not going as far and I think people are starting to realize that," said Chirag Panchal, CEO of the Ensuite Collection, a Dallas luxury travel concierge. The dollar has fallen about 10% since mid-January, when it was its strongest in more than two years. Panchal's clients, who had booked big trips to Europe last year, are either staying domestic or going to closer destinations like Canada or the Caribbean. "We might go international at the end of the summer. If we do, it will be last-minute and spur of the moment based on cheaper flights," said Rachel Cabeza, 28, an actor and fitness instructor based in New Jersey. For now, her only summer plan is a getaway to Martha's Vineyard in nearby Massachusetts. (Reporting by Doyinsola Oladipo in New York and Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru; Editing by David Gaffen and Bill Berkrot)
Zawya
8 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Tourism spending in the Middle East is projected to reach $350bln by 2030, according to a new travel industry report
According to the report, inbound travel to the region will increase by 13% annually from 2025 to 2030, with key source markets including Asia and Africa Business travel and luxury travel are also on the rise, as the Middle East becomes a key global hub for sports and entertainment Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A new report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) predicts that by 2030, total tourism spend in the Middle East will be 50% higher than in 2024, generating expenditure of nearly US$350 billion. The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 reveals insights into the trends and transformations redefining the travel sector in the Middle East and worldwide, including the surge of business travel, the growth of the luxury segment, and the boom in regional sports tourism. The report highlights exceptional growth in Middle East travel spending, projected to exceed 2019 levels by 54% this year and anticipates an annual growth rate of over 7% from 2025 to 2030. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'The report's findings confirm that travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong, with annual growth averaging more than 7% through 2030. Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum.' Underscoring the Middle East's strong position in global tourism, inbound travel from outside the region is set to grow by 13% annually up to 2030 and outbound business travel forecast to surge at 9% per year. European source markets make up 50% of all leisure travel to the Middle East, with India and the United Kingdom the top two inbound international leisure source markets. China is also a critical market, ranking third by value with leisure spend expected to increase by 130% by 2030. Furthermore, tourism nights by visitors from Asia Pacific and Africa, are expected to increase by over 100% between now and 2030. For outbound travel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt dominate regional flows, while Thailand and the United Kingdom lead as preferred long-haul destinations. The four largest airlines in the region – Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Saudia – have placed nearly 780 aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus, representing major expansions to their existing fleets. This significant investment underscores the region's strategic focus on becoming a global aviation hub and meeting rising passenger demand over the coming decade. The Middle East's rise as a global hub for business events is another key highlight of the report, which states that spending on Middle East business travel will grow 1.5 times faster than the global average through to 2030. The region's strategic location at the centre of Asia, Africa, and Europe supports business and leisure travel, with the latter on a particularly strong trajectory for growth. The sector plays a vital role in developing the region's reputation for hosting major events. It is expected to experience the second-fastest rate of business travel growth among all global regions, underscoring the increased potential for combining business and leisure travel, or 'bleisure'. Curtis commented: ' At ATM 2025, we recognised the industry's hunger for innovation in travel technology as well as the rising demand for business travel across the region. In response, we launched two dynamic new zones, IBTM@ATM and the Innovation Zone, designed to empower our growing audience to shape the future of travel with the speed and scale our exciting industry demands.' The region is also witnessing unprecedented growth in luxury and lifestyle tourism, attracting a new generation of high-net-worth travellers, drawn to exceptional Middle East hospitality, curated experiences and premium cultural events. According to the report global spending on luxury leisure hospitality is expected to continue growing briskly reaching over US$390 billion by 2028. 'Travellers drawn to the Middle East tend to spend more on travel overall, nearly 60% habitually spending on luxury experiences while travelling compared to under 40% among travellers who favour other destinations,' added Curtis. Of the more than 170 luxury hotel properties in the Middle East, nearly 100 are situated Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with 22 currently in development. With several luxury properties in the pipeline among Saudi Arabia's Giga projects, the region will continue to serve as a preferred destination for luxury and leisure travellers. Following in the footsteps of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and Dubai Expo 2020, the Middle East region has a proven track record for successfully hosting high-profile entertainment and sports events. According to the ATM Travel Trends report, the strong appetite for sports tourism in the region will lead to a potential growth rate of 63% in the coming years, with the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia set to continue this momentum. According to the report, golf, motorsports, football, cycling, and esports are all benefiting from heightened visibility and investment in the region. This surge in sporting and entertainment events is significantly boosting the travel industry, driving increased demand for hotel stays, flights, and related services, creating a ripple effect that supports broader tourism growth. ATM is the leading international travel and tourism event held annually in Dubai. It plays a vital role in shaping the future of global travel. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 2025 edition welcomed over 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, achieving year-on-year growth of 16%. The next edition will take place from 4-7 May 2026. To view the report, please click here. The latest ATM news stories are available at -Ends- For more information, log on to Now in its 33rd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading global platform driving growth and innovation across every sector of travel and tourism. Held annually in Dubai – the gateway to global travel and tourism with its unmatched connectivity – ATM is where the energy of opportunity comes to life. More than just an event, ATM is a dynamic hub for industry communities, with forums, experiences, and networking that continue well beyond the show floor over the week. Now in a period of rapid expansion, ATM has grown 16% year on year, attracting over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries. The next edition of ATM will take place in Dubai from 4–7 May 2026. About RX RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit About RELX RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are: WTM London is the world's most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes. Next event: 4 to 6 November 2025 at ExCel London. WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022. Next event: 14 to 16 April 2026 – Expo Center Norte, SP, Brazil. WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019. Next event: 13 to 15 April 2026 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week's digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology. WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub. Media contact: TRINA QUINTANA Account Manager Indigo Icon Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai, United Arab Emirates E-mail: Website: A member of the ECCO Communications Network
Travel Weekly
13 hours ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
With travel plans in limbo, U.S. hotels brace for slower growth
NEW YORK -- With many travelers currently in wait-and-see mode, CoStar and Tourism Economics downgraded their U.S. hotel forecast during the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum here on Monday. They are now forecasting a 1% increase in 2025 revenue per available room (RevPAR), down from 1.8%. For 2026, U.S. RevPAR is now projected to increase 1.5%, down from a previously forecasted 2.1%. Average daily rate is expected to grow 1.3% in 2025; zero growth is expected for hotel occupancy at 62.8%. Tariff concern is a factor, said Amanda Hite, president of hotel data specialist STR, a CoStar subsidiary. "The real problem here is the tariff situation," Hite said. "We've got less capital expenditures from business this year than what we had anticipated, which directly means less travel. Businesses are just waiting to see what's going to happen with the economy." Hotel industry bifurcation has intensified, with luxury hotels expected to achieve 3.4% RevPAR growth and upper-upscale hotels a 1.8% bump, fueled in part by slight occupancy increases. Upscale hotels are projected for 0.5% RevPAR growth, while midscale and economy hotels are expected to record 0.8% and 0.7% decreases, respectively. Consumers are more price-sensitive and business travel has stalled, Hite said. She added that shortened booking windows are creating significant challenges. July and August occupancy on the books is "very far behind" last year she said, adding that the trend likely reflects consumers' wait-and-see outlook amid economic uncertainty. "Until consumer confidence improves, demand is going to remain softer -- especially in the middle and lower price tiers," Hite said. The consumer has withstood a lot Still, Deutsche Bank chief U.S. economist Matthew Luzzetti believes the U.S. will avoid a recession. Luzzetti addressed the conference audience on Monday, saying consumers have weathered "a number of historic shocks" over the past three years. He cited the Federal Reserve's largest tightening cycle in 40 years to fight inflation, the 2023 banking crisis and, most recently, an "unprecedented trade war." "Is the tariff shock something that finally breaks the consumer?" Luzzetti said. "I'm going to argue no, that the aggregate consumer fundamentals are strong enough." He said disposable-income growth for U.S. households is "the strongest it's been in a year" and has been accelerating, said Luzzetti. He added that household wealth-to-income ratios currently sit near record highs and that the personal savings rate has also been on the rise, providing consumers with "as much of a buffer as they've had over the past three to five years." Luzzetti also pointed to an "incredibly resilient" U.S. labor market as another tailwind, with unemployment at 4.2% and the economy adding around 150,000 to 200,000 jobs per month on average this year. He added that "not all households have access to record-high wealth relative to income." "If you are exposed to lower-income households and middle-income households, those balance sheets do not look as strong," he said, adding that delinquency rates have risen across credit cards, auto loans and student debt. Luzzetti cautioned that data related to consumer sentiment should be taken "with a grain of salt" because there's a disconnect between what Americans say about the economy versus how they spend. "There's been a massive breakdown between these two indicators over the past 10 years," he said, with consumer confidence indicators heavily polarized along political lines. "For the most part of the past four years, consumers have indicated we're in a recession, which obviously has not been the case," said Luzzetti.
Travel Weekly
4 days ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Are Americans traveling this summer? Where are they headed?
Clockwise from top left: Hopper lead economist Hayley Berg, host Rebecca Tobin and cruise editor Teri West talk about Americans' summer 2025 travel plans. Subscribe now using your favorite service: What is going on with summer travel? As Memorial Day passes and Americans prepare to take to the roads and skies, we've heard a lot of mixed messages from travel companies about what this year might bring. Just a few weeks ago we spoke on the Folo podcast about "chop" and "noise" in projecting future booking patterns. In this episode Hopper lead economist Hayley Berg returns to talk about her data: Whether Americans are traveling and, if so, where their summer plans might take them. We talk about the obvious destinations and the hidden gems -- plus one great summer-booking tip. With us is cruise editor Teri West, who looks into research from the Mastercard Economics Institute on its travel trend report. This episode was recorded Thursday, May 22 and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands Related links: Asian Cities shine in Mastercard Economics Institute's 2025 travel trends report Volatility is making hotel forecasting difficult Travel advisors voice their concerns about job cuts and the economy Related Folo by Travel Weekly episodes:
The Independent
20-05-2025
- The Independent
The destinations at breaking point from overtourism – and where to travel instead
As the British weather teases summer and suitcases are stuffed with suncream, new tourist taxes and ongoing overtourism protests are changing the travel landscape in Europe. Last summer, a string of anti-tourism protests against overcrowding met holidaymakers visiting Barcelona and the Balearic Islands during peak season. According to new research by Which?, European hotspots, including Zante, Paris and Mallorca, are among the destinations worst affected by overtourism. The consumer champion analysed European Commission (EC) tourism numbers from 2023 to identify the places overrun with footfall and those where it's easy to find a quiet corner. Which? crowned Zante, also known as Zakynthos, in Greece the capital of overtourism, with the highest 'tourist pressure' – number of tourists per resident – after the island of just 40,000 people welcomed six million overnight stays in 2023. That's 150 overnight stays for every resident. Croatia 's Istria peninsula closely followed with 133 overnight tourist stays for each person that lives in the area. As for the destinations under the least pressure from tourists, Lille clocked just two overnight stays for every resident in the Nord region and Teleorman, Romania, recorded only 20 overnight stays per 1,000 residents in 2023. Between overtourism protests, Spanish island Mallorca clocked 51 million overnight stays – the most in Europe – in 2023, with a population of 966,000 people. The French capital, Paris, had around 44 million overnight stays in the same year, compared to its population of 2.1 million. Which? found that this gave the city the most tourists per square kilometre, a huge 418,280, followed by Greece's Athens (88,534.92) and Copenhagen in Denmark (63,943.88). According to its analysis, Murcia is the least visited part of Spain's Mediterranean coast, with 486 overnight stays per square km, and the Estonian seaside resort Haapsalu is another quiet alternative at around 120 overnight stays by tourists per square km. Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: 'What this data shows is that overtourism has overwhelmed some of Europe's most popular destinations. With so many fantastic places in Europe, the truth is, you are going to have a far better holiday in a destination where there are not hundreds or even thousands more tourists than there are locals. 'Try Estonia for stunning coastlines and, yes, warm weather, during summer. Or if you want to stick with Spain, Murcia is a great option.' (tourists per 1,000 residents) Zante/Zakynthos (149,886.95) Istria, Croatia (133,466.93) Fuerteventura (118,720.31) Lanzarote (117,785.17) Dodecanese Islands (113,790.45) Tiroler Oberland, Austria (112,716.37) Pinzgau-Pongau, Austria (Salzburg Alps) (109,009.7) Cyclades (104,152.63) Kerkyra, Corfu (100,079.59)
