Welcome to Skift’s 2025 Megatrends, which tell us that the travel industry, like everything else, is moving at a frenetic pace. In 2025, global politics, technology, and the very human need for connection will converge in a battle for customer dollars.
Travel today is marked by a deep contradiction. There is a clash between the desire to unplug and the pressure to stay connected. The lure of indulgence meets the search for purpose. Governments, influencers, and tech giants shape itineraries, while policies and algorithms sculpt how, when, and even why people travel. Luxury is no longer loud, and hotels are evolving into lifestyle brands, some even venturing into psychedelics. High-end travelers, eager to indulge, are filling first-class seats again. Meanwhile, tech giants are locked in a battle to stay relevant, as traditional search and booking tools crumble under the rise of AI-powered precision.
And for those long-time readers of Skift, perhaps you remember a few years back – in those first autumn months of the pandemic – we decided not to do Megatrends for 2021. Instead we took a longer view and gave our best forecast for five years in the future – to 2025.
And – *blink* – here we are.
For some of the predictions, we were right on the mark. The “work from anywhere” movement did reshape business travel, but the dream of seamless hybrid trips faced budget cuts and logistical hurdles. Asia’s anticipated inward focus took hold, favoring regional travel, while far-off destinations like Patagonia thrived on renewed global wanderlust.
The predicted rise of subscription models found limited traction, appealing to niche travelers but failing to go mainstream. Automation advanced more noticeably, with robots performing concierge and cleaning roles, yet travelers proved wary of fully automated experiences. Cautious airlines scaled back their ambitions, while hotels that weathered the pandemic emerged with strong gains, rewarding loyal owners and brands.
But the most resonant trend? A shift to more intentional, soulful travel. While tech, loyalty perks, and redefined travel boundaries evolved, travelers gravitated toward experiences that nurtured meaning and connection — a reminder that, above all, travel is still about depth and discovery.
— Sarah Kopit, Skift Editor-in-Chief
P.S. Skift hosted two Megatrends events in early January in New York City and London. Skift staff and special guests dove deeper into this year’s trends, and gave travel industry professionals their first great networking opportunity of 2025. You can watch full sessions from both events, below.
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Credits
Edited by Lex Haris
Design and illustrations by Taylor Slattery, Beatrice Tagliaferri, and Vonn Leynes
Development by Kenny Tran
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