Emerging Travel Patterns Unveiled at the World Travel Market 2026

Overview of Key Travel Trends for 2025

The World Travel Market (WTM) in London has revealed an insightful outlook on how global travel will evolve in the near future. Marking its 45th year in 2025, this pivotal event gathers over 5,000 exhibitors and around 45,000 industry professionals, spotlighting the latest developments and forecasts in international tourism.

The recently published WTM Trends Report 2025, developed through research by Tourism Economics, projects a promising future for tourism with growth surpassing general economic expansion. Even amidst varying economic conditions worldwide, the travel and tourism sector is expected to grow at an average of 3.5% annually over the next decade, driven especially by international and leisure travel sectors.

Longer Stays and Seasonal Shifts

Among the shifting traveler behaviors is the increasing trend towards longer stays in destinations, reversing the previous habit of taking frequent short trips. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the Middle East, where trip lengths have surged by nearly two-thirds since 2019, likely influenced by enhanced infrastructure and investment in countries like Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, climate concerns, including excessive heat and wildfires, are redefining travel timing. Travelers are showing a preference for shoulder or off-peak seasons, giving rise to the concept of 'cool-cations.' Nordic countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Finland are benefiting from this trend, with expected growth rates in tourism outpacing traditional summer hotspots by about 9% in 2025.

Popularity of Bucket List and Alternative Destinations

Traditional bucket list cities continue to attract visitors, with anticipated international arrivals to the top 50 urban destinations boosting by 20% over the next five years. Cities like Dubai and Bangkok lead the growth in this segment. Meanwhile, less conventional destinations such as Albania and El Salvador are gaining traction as travelers seek new and unique experiences while looking for better value.

The Impact of Events and Cultural Experiences

Live events remain a significant motivator in travel decisions. The surge in large-scale entertainment, including concerts and sports, influences tourist flows strongly. For instance, high-profile tours like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour have become a powerful draw, with the live events industry predicted to grow nearly 6% per year in the coming five years, exceeding overall tourism growth.

Cultural immersion is increasingly central to traveler expectations. Tourists are pursuing genuine engagement with local communities, seeking to meet locals and savor authentic regional cuisines. This desire is pushing the industry to pivot towards handcrafted experiences and narrative-rich tourism, often driving visitors away from overcrowded places towards less-known, seasonally adjusted destinations.

Technology’s Transformative Role

The adoption of technology in travel is growing rapidly, enhancing personalized and seamless experiences across the journey. Instant communication platforms like WhatsApp facilitate real-time, customized assistance, while travel apps offer immersive planning and booking capabilities. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a growing role in crafting tailored travel recommendations, with the majority of travel professionals acknowledging AI's positive impact on boosting travel expenditure.

Airports and transport hubs are also transforming through digital innovations such as biometric systems and smart security, accelerating passenger processing and making travel more enjoyable and efficient.

Growth in Air and Cruise Travel, and Accommodation Capacity

Capacity expansion in air travel continues at a brisk pace, with over 15,000 new aircraft on order from manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. The cruise industry, too, has rebounded robustly since the pandemic, with expectations to surpass 38 million global passengers in 2025. Notably, 15 new cruise ships are anticipated to join the fleet by the year's end, including new entrants targeting niche markets such as the Arabian cruise market.

Accommodation supply keeps pace with demand, as hotel development projects worldwide forecast around 500,000 new rooms opening in 2025, supplemented by a further million rooms currently under construction. This infrastructure expansion supports sustainable tourism growth and offers more options for every traveler’s needs.

Historical Perspective on Travel Trends

Travel patterns have been influenced historically by economic cycles, technological advances, and changing consumer preferences. Previously, trips were often short and frequent, but recent years reveal a shift toward longer, more immersive journeys. The rise of digital tools has revolutionized trip planning and experiences, enabling tailored itineraries and easier access to information.

The emerging trends also mirror a yearning for authenticity and cultural depth in travel, replacing the earlier focus on mass tourism attractions. This evolution closely relates to today's environment-aware tourists who adjust travel timing and destinations considering climate impact and seek off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Future Implications for International Tourism

Looking ahead, the growth in international tourism is poised to continue its upward trajectory, adapting to evolving traveler behaviors shaped by socio-economic factors and environmental concerns. For maritime and coastal destinations actively linked to yacht charter, sailing, and boat rental, these trends herald exciting opportunities.

Longer stays and off-season travel could increase demand for waterborne leisure activities, while cultural and live events may draw guests to anchor their vacations around unique local experiences accessible via yachts and boats. Coastal marinas and waterfront resorts may see expanding business from tourists seeking to combine adventure on sea with land-based attractions.

Table: Projected Growth Areas in Travel by Sector (2025 Forecast)

Conclusion: What It Means for Sailing and Boat Rentals

The unfolding travel trends forecast a dynamic and growing tourism landscape with expanding opportunities for yacht charter and boat rental sectors. As travelers seek longer, immersive experiences, destinations with marinas and sailing options stand to benefit from the rising wave of leisure, cultural, and event-driven tourism.

Increased international arrivals combined with shifting seasonal preferences encourage marinas to adapt services for year-round boating and yachting activities, opening new avenues for captains and charter operators to cater to evolving demands. Clear waters, beautiful beaches, and diverse waterfront destinations will attract a broad spectrum of visitors—from fishing enthusiasts to luxury superyacht patrons.

For travelers eager to embrace the sun and sea on their next journey, the opportunities for boat rent and sailing are growing alongside these trends. To explore and take advantage of this thriving boating market, GetBoat.com offers an extensive international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, catering to every taste and budget.