Market Trends

💸 On May 7, 2025, Marriott International lowered its room revenue growth forecast from 2%-4% to 1.5%-3.5% due to tariff concerns and federal spending cuts in the U.S. under President Trump. U.S. government bookings dropped by 10%, while United Airlines experienced a 50% decrease in government-related travel. Despite domestic challenges, Marriott's international revenue, particularly in Asia-Pacific, remained robust. Consumer uncertainty led to shorter booking windows and less visibility for the second half of the year.

🌍 Travel demand in 2024 holds steady despite global uncertainty. By May 7, 2025, Sojern indicates a shift toward cooler climates and local getaways. US domestic travel rises by 2%, while international bookings to Mexico, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean drop by 9%, 4%, and 2% respectively. The US football tournament is expected to boost travel to NYC, LA, and Miami. The UK, Mexico, and Italy remain top international destinations for US travelers. Canada sees a 6% boost in US visits but may soften due to lower airfares. Mexican domestic travel surges by 15%, with Cancun, Mexico City, and Cabo leading; Peru and Brazil gain 7% and 6%. Estonian travel jumps by 32%, Iceland by 17%, and Norway by 11%. The UK's intra-European travel grows by 12%, and Portugal's hotel searches increase by 13%. The UAE experiences a 4% rise in flights and 20% in hotel bookings. Singapore and Thailand see 5% and 2% increases, while Australia's demand grows by 10% from New Zealand, China, and the US.

🏖️ May 7, 2025 - Travel brands are shifting focus from material possessions to immersive, identity-driven experiences, with Millennials and Gen Z leading the change. The experience economy, emphasizing emotional values, is now fully realized globally post-pandemic. Five core principles for travel brands include personalization, reimagined luxury, environment design, ethical practices, and the human element enhanced by technology. Brands adopting these experience-first principles aim to create deeper loyalty and competitive advantage through meaningful, transformational experiences.

🏨 U.S. hotel RevPAR up 2.2% YoY in Q1 2025. Occupancy rose 0.4%, with demand (+1%) surpassing supply (+0.6%). Short-term rentals and cruises are growing faster than hotels. Labor market saw a 9% drop in hotel job openings, wage growth at 4%, yet $11 under national average. International travel slightly increased; March experienced first airline passenger volume decline in four years. New Orleans, Tampa, Columbus led in RevPAR gains due to specific events. Top markets, mainly in the South, saw up to double-digit RevPAR growth. Hilton, Caesars, MGM optimistic; Wyndham, Hyatt cut forecasts amidst trade and global uncertainties.

🌍 In 2025, U.S. travel demand falters, with forecasts from Delta, Southwest, and Airbnb dropping, impacting U.S. GDP by $23–$71 billion, or 0.1% to 0.3%. Trump administration trade policies contribute to decreased international tourism, previously $215 billion or 0.7% of GDP in 2024. Consumer spending declines amid recession fears, pressuring a sector comprising 3% of GDP and over six million jobs after two robust years.