In the ever-evolving realm of travel and tourism, staying ahead of emerging trends is paramount for marketers seeking to capture the attention of an adventurous audience. Expedia Group’s Unpack ’24 report serves as a strategic compass, providing destination marketers and travel professionals with exclusive insights into the key trends shaping the future of travel in 2024.
As Jon Gieselman, President of Expedia Brands, emphasizes, “These insights shape our travel forecasts, enabling our travelers to be the first to discover and book the most desired trips before they become well-beaten paths.” Let’s delve into the transformative trends identified in the report, offering marketers a roadmap to engage and captivate their target audiences.
Here’s my take on Unpacking the Future: 10 Top 2024 Trends for Travel Marketing via Growing Social Now News.
Today, we’re diving into the top travel trends for 2024. As someone passionate about travel, I love exploring new destinations to bring you fresh insights. This report was particularly engaging, shedding light on the dynamic landscape of the travel industry.
Unpacking the Future: 10 Top 2024 Trends for Travel Marketing
2024 Travel Marketing Trend 1. Set-Jetting: Transforming Fiction into Tourism
One of the report’s standout trends is the growing influence of set-jetting – the act of planning trips inspired by TV shows and movies. Recognizing that more than half of travelers now base their travel decisions on-screen portrayals, marketers can leverage this trend by strategically aligning destinations with popular media content. Expedia’s Unpack ’24 report unveils the top set-jetting destinations for 2024, offering marketers a valuable guide for crafting targeted promotional campaigns.
2024 Travel Marketing Trend 2. Destination Dupes: Marketing Off the Beaten Path
The rising popularity of “dupes,” or budget-friendly alternatives to popular destinations, presents a unique opportunity for destination marketers. Expedia’s recognition of these alternative gems, such as Taipei and Santorini, allows marketers to tap into the trend, offering travelers not only potential savings but also the allure of exclusive and less-crowded experiences. Crafting campaigns that highlight these alternative destinations can resonate with a cost-conscious yet adventurous audience.
2024 Travel Marketing Trend 3. Tour Tourism: Amplifying the Concert Experience
Building on the success of live music tourism in 2023, Expedia predicts a continued surge in “tour tourism” in 2024. With almost 70% of travelers expressing a heightened willingness to travel for concerts, marketers can strategically collaborate with event organizers to create compelling travel packages. By identifying affordable cities where major artists will perform, marketers can curate experiences that align with travelers’ dual interests in music and exploration.
2024 Travel Marketing Trend 4. Dry Tripping: Crafting Healthful Experiences
The rise of zero-proof holidays in 2024 presents an opportunity for destination marketers to cater to health-conscious travelers. With over 40% of respondents expressing interest in detox trips, marketers can collaborate with hotels and resorts to promote alcohol-free options and wellness-focused experiences. Highlighting properties like those on Hotels.com’s curated list can appeal to a growing segment of health-conscious travelers seeking mindful getaways.
2024 Travel Marketing Trend 5. Vibe Check-In: Shaping the Mood of Travel
In an era where a hotel’s “vibe” is gaining prominence, destination marketers can capitalize on the desire for unique atmospheres. The Unpack ’24 report highlights the year’s 15 most popular vibes, providing marketers with insights to align their destinations with travelers’ preferences. Crafting campaigns that emphasize the distinct mood and feel of a location can resonate with the more than 90% of travelers who consider it an important factor.
2024 Travel Marketing Trend 6. Trending Hotels: Embracing Cultural Stays
Immersive experiences in local cultures are on the rise, as evidenced by the increased interest in ryokans and Moroccan riads. Destination marketers can collaborate with unique accommodations to promote culturally rich stays, aligning with the preferences of travelers seeking authentic and memorable experiences.
2024 Travel Marketing Trend 7. Go-ccasions: Celebrating Beyond Tradition
Vrbo’s research highlights a shift in travel motivations, with groups finding unique reasons to celebrate beyond traditional occasions. Destination marketers can leverage this trend by curating packages and experiences tailored to these “go-ccasions,” tapping into the growing trend of celebrating work-related milestones and unconventional anniversaries.
2024 Travel Marketing Trend 8. Outside In: Showcasing Nature in Travel
The emphasis on outdoor amenities in vacation rentals presents an opportunity for destination marketers to highlight the natural beauty surrounding their locations. Crafting campaigns that showcase properties with unique outdoor experiences, such as hot tubs, fire pits, and sports facilities, can resonate with the 42% of travelers seeking a deeper connection to nature.
2024 Travel Marketing Trend 9. Trending Vrbo Vacation Homes: Rural Retreats
Vrbo’s prediction of mills, barns, and farms as trending property types for 2024 offers destination marketers a unique avenue to promote rural escapes. By featuring charming countryside properties with fresh produce and unique amenities, marketers can cater to the growing demand for idyllic getaways.
2024 Travel Marketing Trend 10. Gen Gen AI: Embracing Artificial Intelligence in Travel
As a new generation of travelers – Gen Gen AI – fully embraces generative AI technology, destination marketers can leverage this trend to enhance the travel experience. With half of respondents expressing curiosity about using AI in trip planning, marketers can explore incorporating AI functionalities into their promotional strategies, offering personalized and tech-savvy travel solutions.
As destination marketers gear up for 2024, Expedia Group’s Unpack ’24 report serves as an indispensable guide to navigating the evolving landscape of travel trends. From leveraging set-jetting and destination dupes to crafting campaigns around unique vibes and cultural stays, marketers have a wealth of insights to shape compelling narratives for their target audiences. By embracing these trends, destination marketers can not only stay ahead of the curve but also create memorable and resonant experiences that captivate the imaginations of travelers in the coming year.
Need help navigating 2024 travel marketing, branding, and PR?
Barbara Rozgonyi: Unleashing Transformative Marketing Magic
Barbara Rozgonyi stands at the forefront of the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing and public relations. Recognized by Inc.com as a “wealth of information, brilliant ideas, and resources for small and large companies alike,” Barbara is the Founder and Chief Transformer at CoryWest Media.
About CoryWest Media
CoryWest Media, a creative consulting, coaching, and training services firm, pays homage to two legendary storytellers – Barbara’s mother [Cory] and grandmother [West]. As an innovative creative engine, Barbara empowers businesses and individuals to illuminate their 4D PR presence, engaging key relationships, fostering thought leadership, and accelerating success.
A Trailblazing Expertise
Barbara’s diverse expertise in marketing, communications, and technology positions her as a trusted advisor for a spectrum of organizations, from Fortune 50 companies to the Federal Reserve and global small businesses via the International Trade Centre – a joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations.
One of the pioneers in the world of social media, Barbara’s online presence dates back to 2005. Her award-winning blog, wiredPRworks.com, launched in 2006 and is a treasure trove of over 1200 articles on marketing, communications, and PR.
Social Media Stalwart
In 2008, Barbara founded Social Media Club Chicago, growing it to become the third-largest club globally. Recognized by Nokia, she was chosen as one of two social media experts to represent the U.S. at Social Media Week Berlin. Barbara’s third podcast, “Growing Social Now,” explores the latest in digital communication through insightful interviews.
Positive Intelligence Advocate
In 2023, Barbara completed Positive Intelligence PQ coach training, reflecting her commitment to integrating mental fitness into life’s challenges. She passionately installs new operating systems for individuals and teams, facilitating personal and professional growth.
Author and Thought Leader
As a published author, Barbara contributed the LinkedIn chapter to “Success Secrets of the Social Media Marketing Superstars” and the PR chapter to “Success Secrets of the Online Marketing Superstars.” Her extensive background includes award-winning financial services sales, providing training for notable organizations such as Dun & Bradstreet and Blue Cross Blue Shield subsidiaries.
Global Speaker and Sales Trainer
Barbara’s impact extends globally as an international speaker and sales trainer. From Asia to Europe, Canada to Mexico, and throughout the United States, she delivers live and virtual programs. Based in Charlotte, NC, Barbara finds solace in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, and backyard trails with her dog, Holly Wood. An avid photographer and adventurous naturalist, she captures the essence of everyday life through her lens.
Barbara Rozgonyi is not just a marketing expert; she’s a transformative force driving success and innovation in the dynamic world of digital communication.
Barbara Rozgonyi is a Fractional CMO, business strategy coach, and international keynote speaker.
Barbara publishes wiredPRworks (https://wiredprworks.com), a top 50 PR blog.
