American Express Travel® has released its much-anticipated 2024 Global Travel Trends Report, offering insights into the inspirations and trends shaping travel decisions worldwide.
The report, based on survey data from travellers in countries including Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States, sheds light on the priorities and preferences of modern travellers.
The report identifies four major trends influencing travellers' booking decisions:
- For the love of the game: Sports enthusiasts are increasingly planning their trips around athletic events, whether it involves their favourite sport, team or international competitions.
- Planning big: Many travellers are opting for major, expedition-style adventures, seeking transformative experiences such as visiting the Galapagos Islands or trekking with gorillas.
- Going solo: There's a growing trend for travellers to embark on solo trips, attracted by the ease of planning and the ability to tailor itineraries to their preferences.
- On a whim: Travellers are craving flexibility in their plans, leaving room for spontaneity during their journeys.
Insights from the report
Some key insights from the report include:
- A significant desire among Millennials and Gen Z to travel for sporting events, with 67% expressing interest in attending such events in 2024
- Top destinations include New York, Miami and Paris, indicating a global interest in attending live sporting events
- Transformative trips, particularly those considered once-in-a-lifetime experiences, are high on travellers' wish lists, with 65% expressing more interest in major trips compared to previous years
- The appeal of solo travel is evident, especially among younger demographics, with 76% of Millennials and Gen Z respondents planning solo trips in 2024.
- Flexibility in itineraries is increasingly valued, with 78% of respondents expressing interest in spontaneous trips and 68% preferring to leave unplanned time to immerse themselves in local culture.
As travellers prioritise experiences and personalisation, the insights from the Global Travel Trends report service are a valuable resource for both travellers and industry professionals, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of global travel preferences and behaviours.
