The Key Travel Trends Shaping the Future of Travel

Trip.com Group has released its latest report, Momentum 2025: Travel’s Next Big Trends, highlighting the evolving preferences of travelers across Asia-Pacific. Based on insights from over 6,000 respondents, the report identifies key trends shaping the industry, including experiential dining, entertainment-driven travel, and the growing influence of media and technology on travel decisions.

Culinary tourism is gaining momentum, with 60% of travelers searching for food-related content. Food festivals, hotel dining, and street food tours are among the top experiences sought by travelers in markets like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. Meanwhile, the impact of films and television on travel choices continues to grow, with 70% of travelers planning trips inspired by on-screen destinations, such as New Zealand’s "Middle-earth" landscapes and Kyoto’s historic sites.

Cruise tourism is also on the rise, with 44% of travelers prioritizing onboard dining and 38% attracted to all-inclusive packages. Popular cruise destinations include Tokyo, Jeju Island, and the Maldives. Additionally, entertainment travel is becoming a major motivator, with 66% of travelers planning trips around concerts and sporting events, following the success of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and major sporting events like the UEFA Euro.

Social media remains a key driver of travel decisions, influencing 45% of travelers. Destinations with high “Instagrammable” appeal, such as Tokyo and Bali, are benefiting from viral content, while Trip.com’s Trip Moments platform continues to encourage community-driven exploration. Emerging micro-trends include dark sky stargazing, underwater hotel stays, and AI-powered itinerary planning, reflecting a shift toward hyper-personalized and immersive experiences.

As the industry evolves, travelers are increasingly seeking meaningful, tech-enhanced, and value-driven experiences. With investments in AI and sustainable travel solutions, Trip.com Group aims to lead this transformation, offering innovative tools like Trip.Genie and Trip.Best to create seamless and impactful journeys.