phocuswright.com - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 2

2 min

Travel Forward: Data, Insights and Trends for 2026

💻 February 2025, Phocuswright published the Travel Innovation and Technology Trends 2025, highlighting AI's impact on the travel industry. Major tech firms launched AI infrastructure like Google’s Agentspace and OpenAI’s Operator, focusing on augmentation. AI tools like ChatGPT are enhancing travel experiences. A debate emerged on whether autonomous agents will favor OTAs or suppliers, with backend systems needing adaptation. In 2025, 10% of U.S. internet users start discovery in AI tools. By 2026, 500 million smartphones may have digital ID wallets.

1 min

The supplier shift powering Latin America’s travel growth

🌎 In 2024, Latin America's travel sector generated US$67.9 billion in gross bookings, slightly below 2023 levels. However, bookings are projected to grow 17% in 2025, reaching a record $79.2 billion. Key markets include Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina. The region's suppliers, including airlines and hotels, are evolving to become more connected and competitive, adapting to macro and political volatility. This trend is set to shape the future of travel growth in Latin America.

2 min

The AI-native edge

💸 September 2025, Chris Hemmeter, co-founder of Thayer Investment Partners, shared a refined investment strategy, "construct and convict," aimed at making smaller investments in early-stage travel startups. Thayer's fifth fund plans to support 40-50 companies. With 5% of entrepreneurs expecting growth under 10% in 2026 and 27% predicting over 100%, 37% of startups aim for acquisition by a travel company. AI advances drive "seed-strapping," fostering rapid scaling, reshaping travel startup success.

3 min

From $1.6T to $1.8T: How global travel will grow, shift and digitize by 2027

🗺 Travel gross bookings hit $1.6 trillion in 2024, projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2027. North America leads with $539 billion. Online bookings grew 9% in 2024, with two-thirds expected online by 2027. Air and hotel sectors dominate at nearly 75% of bookings. Emerging markets like Mexico, Brazil, and India will see strong growth. Global travel is set to expand by an average of 5.2% annually through 2027.

1 min

When travel isn’t first: How economic strains are changing consumer behavior

📊 According to the U.S. Consumer Travel Report 2025, travelers are maintaining the number of trips but are spending less annually. Increased cost-consciousness is evident, with a slight rise in younger travelers who prefer OTAs for price comparison. Consumers consider road trips over air travel if flights become costly. AI-powered tools are influencing research and bookings, as general search usage declines, indicating a shift in how trips are planned and chosen.

2 min

Momentum and bottlenecks: India’s aviation in focus

✈️ India's aviation industry saw passenger revenue increase by 9% to $18.3 billion in 2024, with a total of 191 million passengers flown. As of March 2025, the country had 855 aircraft, with plans for 1,600 more. Delhi's airport reached a capacity of 109 million. IndiGo is expanding internationally, while Air India merged with Vistara on November 12, 2024. Risks include the April 2025 Kashmir attack and the June 2025 Air India crash. India's aviation market ranks third globally.

2 min

7 powerful shifts driving the Middle East’s travel boom

📈 Middle East tourism is evolving rapidly, as highlighted in Phocuswright's 2025 report. By 2030, Saudi Arabia and GCC countries aim to transform tourism through giga-projects and online platforms. The region targets luxury and sustainable travel, embracing cultural modernization and mega-events like Expo Dubai and the Qatar World Cup. Economic growth boosts intra-regional travel, with Phocuswright offering open access to comprehensive industry insights for strategic advantages.

2 min

The five developments driving the evolution of U.S. OTAs

🗺 In 2024, U.S. online travel agencies recorded $108.5 billion in gross bookings, a 4% rise from 2023 and 85% above 2019 levels. Companies like Expedia, Booking, and Hopper are driving revenue growth through expanded networks and AI integration, enhancing loyalty programs, and increasing private accommodations. Booking now sees 37% of room nights from alternative lodgings. Dynamic packages are on the rise, and the OTA market remains stable with minor channel shifts expected through 2028.

2 min

$407B by 2028? The numbers behind U.S. corporate travel’s new trajectory

🛫 Companies are adapting to blurred lines between business and leisure travel, balancing policy compliance and traveler autonomy. Suppliers focus on small businesses, meetings, and hybrid travel. Travel managers should rethink policies and tech investments. The Phocuswright report offers forecasts and insights crucial for 2025–2028 strategies. Phocuswright Open Access provides unlimited access to research, supporting strategic decisions with comprehensive data and analysis.

2 min

Growth without lift in China’s $151.8B travel market

🗺️ China’s travel market grew by 5.5% to $151.8 billion in 2024, with 5.6 billion domestic trips. Despite this growth, challenges persist, with outbound travel expected to reach 155 million trips by 2025. Online travel agencies, like Ctrip and Meituan, drive market expansion, with online revenue hitting 73% in 2024, projected to rise to 82% by 2028. International hotel brands expand, while domestic supply controls key sectors. The market won't surpass 2019 levels until 2026.

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