Articles tagged “skift research”

Social media is no longer just inspiring travel, it’s where trips are being researched, priced, and booked. As platforms evolve into powerful sales channels, creators are becoming the new travel agents, short-form video is replacing static ads, and the booking journey is evolving into a low-friction social interaction.

Recession alarm bells are going off. A global downturn isn't our base case, but it's still worth reviewing how the travel industry might perform in a worst-case scenario. Even in a turbulent market, travel won't stop — it will shift.

Travel is the most aspirational consumer purchase out there. With secular tailwinds and a boost from post-pandemic revenge travel, our industry was flying high. But now, new policies announced by U.S. President Donald Trump may take travel out of the clouds and back down to earth.

Sluggish recovery in the air distribution business, despite record travel demand, signals a disturbing trend for global distribution systems (GDSs). Without a one-size-fits-all strategy, GDSs should look again at their business models as airlines continue to push for direct bookings.

Global travel softened slightly in February 2025, declining 1% year-on-year. While travel policy shifts pose risks to global travel, consumer demand remains strong, particularly in emerging markets.

Slowing hotel supply growth in the U.S. is fueling brand expansion through M&A deals, as high development costs make acquisitions more attractive than new construction.

The ongoing live tourism boom provides compelling opportunities for hotels to maximize revenue by boosting average daily rates, extending stays, increasing guest volumes, and building long-term growth and loyalty.

The Skift Travel Health Index at 102, indicates moderate growth for the travel industry in January 2025, with the Asia-Pacific region in the lead. We anticipate this trend to continue throughout the year.

The global accommodation market, valued at $1.2 trillion in 2024, is projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2026. Driven by increasing travel demand, the Asia-Pacific region is forecasted to overtake Europe in accommodation revenues by 2026. Despite ongoing geopolitical and regulatory challenges, we anticipate continued moderate growth for the accommodation sector.

Banks and credit card companies are disrupting the travel industry by launching their own booking platforms, competing with online travel agencies and gaining market share.

2024 marked a year of normalization for global travel, with the focus shifting from recovering to pre-pandemic levels to achieving real growth beyond those. While challenges remain, the industry demonstrated resilience and is poised for continued growth in 2025.

Luxury travel is evolving to encompass multiple experiential aspects of travel. In order to best capitalize on high demand and supply gaps, luxury hotels can differentiate themselves by broadening their offerings and embracing lucrative emerging experiential trends.