Trends

With a projected 37.7 million cruise passengers in 2025 and an economic impact of over $168 billion, the industry continues to show promise in its growth and contribution to global tourism.

The 2025 Holiday Barometer survey conducted by Ipsos for Generali Global Assistance highlights a significant shift in American travel habits. Respondents prefer more meaningful, domestic travel experiences, with increased planning and an emphasis on value and personalization.

A recent survey of corporate travel managers in the U.S. and Canada has illuminated major pain points experienced during business travel and the necessary technological solutions to address them. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) conducted the research in collaboration with Direct Travel, Spotnana, and Troop.

The Deloitte 2025 Summer Travel Survey reveals that more than half of Americans (53%) plan to travel and stay in paid lodging this summer. This is an increase from 48% last year, despite financial concerns and economic pressures. Many Americans are making adjustments by taking more frequent yet shorter trips. Other influencing factors include remote work, technology, and sustainability.

The Index, which is based on insights from over 11,000 consumers across 11 global markets, shows an increase in the influence of social media on travel decisions and the ongoing importance of trust and loyalty programs in the booking process.

The emerging trend of sleep tourism is shifting the travel industry’s landscape, as the focus on wellness, relaxation, and quality rest gains momentum.

Year-Over-Year Passenger Trips Rose Despite Decline in Sales

The Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) has identified key trends affecting the sector, including purpose-driven journeys, emerging tourist destinations, the influence of currency fluctuations, the rise of wellness and adventure tourism, the impact of sporting events, shifts in business travel, and the prevalence of fraud in the travel industry.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed that the U.S. could lose up to $12.5 billion in international travel spending in 2025, marking a significant 22.5% decline from its previous peak.

U.S. airline industry (passenger and cargo airlines combined) employment increased to 1,008,949 workers in March 2025, 4,231 (0.42%) more workers than in February 2025 (1,004,718).