Travelport’s new research shows that retailers embracing transparency, responsible AI, and seamless experiences will thrive
Jan 16, 2025
Combining exclusive research with cross-industry insights, the report highlights key trends that will transform the travel industry in 2025, such as the growing demand for transparency, the rise of subscription models, and AI-powered innovations in travel retail.
Key takeaways
- Travel companies have been criticized for “consumer washing,” where hidden fees are revealed at checkout. The report found that 44% of consumers view airlines, hotels, and travel companies as the main offenders, second only to credit card companies (45%);
- Venmo, Monzo and Revolut have made banking faster and easier, while travel has become more complicated. To mirror fintech’s success, travel brands must leverage agile, API-driven technology to streamline the shopping experience and stand out in a crowded marketplace;
- Consumers are increasingly overwhelmed by choice, and in travel, this is reflected in the rise of NDC content. In 2025, we may see more travel brands following the lead of Apple and Amazon Prime by forming distribution partnerships with OTAs or returning to a multi-channel distribution approach;
- Subscription services are gaining popularity across all industries, and travel is expected to embrace this trend in 2025. It represents a significant opportunity for select OTAs and a new alternative to loyalty programs;
- The report’s findings show that consumers have embraced AI in travel more than in other industries. This will lead to more big changes and new opportunities this year, including big data analytics, capacity planning and forecasting. But it could also spell the end of Google’s dominance in search, unlock more value from curation, and make NDC much easier to manage.
Get the full report at Travelport
