Voyages of Tomorrow

The landscape of global travel is undergoing a dynamic transformation, with emerging trends that redefine how we explore the world. 

words by Dimitra Moraiti | released on March 8th, 2024

From seeking out destination dupes to embracing sustainable tourism practices, the upcoming years promise to enrich travel experiences while addressing the pressing challenges of our times. The following key trends are expected to dominate the tourism industry in 2024 and the years to come.

Destination Dupes

In a quest for authentic and less crowded alternatives to popular tourist spots, the trend of “Destination Dupes” is gaining momentum. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have played a pivotal role in popularizing these alternatives. Paros, Greece, stands out as a prime example where increased hotel investments reflect the island’s growing appeal. Exploration of hidden gems offers similar experiences to well-known destinations but in a more sustainable and balanced manner.

Sustainable Tourism

With growing environmental consciousness among travelers, sustainable tourism practices are becoming increasingly vital. From eco-friendly transportation options to supporting local communities and offsetting carbon emissions, the focus is on conserving natural areas and enhancing the well-being of local populations. This approach not only contributes to environmental preservation but also offers travelers immersive cultural experiences.

Shoulder Season

Climate change and overtourism have prompted a shift towards shoulder season travel. As extreme weather events become more common, travelers are seeking out the less crowded and more temperate months of spring and autumn. Shoulder season traveling is supported by the flexibility of remote work and a desire for authentic, tranquil travel experiences, driving a surge in bookings during these periods.

Music Tourism

Music tourism is experiencing rapid growth as travelers across the globe seek out live music festivals, concerts, and music-related attractions. Post-pandemic, there’s a heightened need for live events, a trend that emerges from music’s power to forge emotional connections and offer unique cultural insights.

Family Travel

The proportion of living grandparents to grandchildren is at an all-time high, a result of longer life spans coupled with a decrease in the average number of children per family. This demographic shift is reshaping family travel, as multi-generational and “skip-gen” vacations become more sought after. These travel styles enable families to forge enduring connections and create cherished memories, by choosing destinations that mix relaxation with authentic local encounters. This trend emphasizes a move towards holidays designed to appeal to both the younger and older members of the family, prioritizing ease and a rich depth of experiences.

Bleisure

Bleisure travel, the blend of business and leisure, is on the rise, particularly among Gen Z travelers who value work-life balance. Individuals intent to extend work trips to enjoy leisure activities, exploring destinations beyond the confines of business engagements. The growth of bleisure travel reflects a changing attitude towards travel, where blending work and play becomes a norm.

Train Travel

Amidst growing climate consciousness, train travel is making a comeback as a sustainable alternative to flying. Luxury rail journeys are becoming increasingly popular, offering travelers the chance to enjoy scenic routes and explore hidden gems along the way. Europe is embracing this new trend with six new train routes from Accor’s La Dolce Vita, which either start or finish in Rome, thereby enhancing the rich cultural heritage established by the iconic Orient Express.

Sports Tourism

Sports tourism is evolving, moving beyond traditional spectatorship to encompass a broader range of sports and destinations. People are planning holidays that hinge around seeing games, races and other activities in exotic locales, and extending trips on either side to see the sights too. The upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris are expected to attract a significant influx of tourists, showcasing the growing appeal of combining sports viewing with travel experiences, while Greece is facing it every year with the Athens Authentic Marathon. This trend reflects a diversification in the types of sports and events that draw travelers.

The Quest for Silence

Photo by Dino Reichmuth

In a world overwhelmed by constant noise, silent and detox travel emerges as a haven for individuals in search of tranquility and mindfulness. These journeys, ranging from silent meditation retreats to secluded nature resorts, attract travelers looking for an escape from the digital deluge and an opportunity to reforge their connection with nature. This preference towards wellness and relaxation is further mirrored in the increasing availability and demand for hotel amenities centered on sleep, underscoring a wider movement towards prioritizing health and well-being in the realm of travel.

Set-Jetting

The phenomenon of “set-jetting” continues to grow, with travelers seeking out destinations featured in TV shows and movies. This trend, fueled by the influence of visual media on travel decisions, is expected to remain strong in 2024. According to the Set-jetting Forecast by Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, Greece is among the destinations gaining popularity, thanks to its appearance in the spy action comedy film ‘Argylle’.

These trends underscore a collective desire for more sustainable, authentic, and personalized travel experiences. From the rediscovery of train travel to the embrace of silent retreats and the blending of business with leisure, the future of tourism is set to offer diverse and enriching opportunities for travelers around the globe.

Cover photo by Fabrice Villard