2023 was marked by the revival of tourism after the coronavirus pandemic – after long lockdowns, tourists broke off the chain, trying to make up for lost time. It also had a noticeable impact on the structure of travel.
Which travel trends dominated in 2023 and are likely to dominate next, analyzed by ForwardKeys in its latest 2023 Global Travel Trends Report.
“While the speed of recovery varies by region, it is expected to be complete by the end of 2024, even in countries that have recently lifted travel restrictions. This means that destinations can now turn their attention to pre-pandemic issues such as determining the type of tourism, directions, and goals they want to advance. However, the context in which these questions are asked has changed. It is now shaped by geopolitical events, technological advances, and concerns about sustainability,” the authors of the study note.
Climate change matters
In the summer of 2023, the Northern Hemisphere experienced extreme temperatures, forest fires, and floods due to climate change. However, these events did not affect the structure of trips. Despite the wildfires in Rhodes, ticket sales returned to normal within a month. Nevertheless, climate change is expected to affect tourist preferences. As temperatures rise, summer demand for hotter destinations is likely to decline, while cooler regions will become more attractive to travelers.
Family travel is back in trend
Many travelers value shared experiences, and this is reflected in the popularity of family group travel, where three to five passengers travel together. Compared to 2019, this segment showed the fastest recovery in all regions, especially in the Americas, where it has already exceeded 2019 levels.
Interest in luxurious recreation
Globally, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, there is a rapid recovery in demand for luxury travel compared to conventional travel options. In part, this can be explained by the phenomenon of “tourist revenge”. This suggests that despite widespread concerns about the cost of living, consumers are still willing to pay more for high-end travel.
Thirst for Variety
Analysis of international travel revenues in 2023, including fourth-quarter booking data, reveals several notable trends compared to 2019 figures.
So, if in 2022 the Caribbean and Southern Europe were the most popular destinations, in 2023 the interests of tourists will become more diverse. The Dominican Republic, Mexico and Greece still hold high positions, but other destinations are also gaining popularity.
Top trending areas in 2023
1. Dominican Republic (14% growth compared to 2019).
2. Colombia (+5).
3. Mexico (+5).
4. Greece (+3).
5. Saudi Arabia (0).
6. Portugal (-1).
7. Argentina (-3).