New trends already dominating tourism worldwide

26-07-23

Generative artificial intelligence, short-form video and the rise of immersive experiences are among the trends offering new opportunities for the travel, activities and attractions industry, according to a new report.

The new report from Arival, the leading resource for the travel, activities and attractions industry, looks at the key trends that have shaped the industry this year and offers a preview of what's to come.

Travel, activities and attractions are forecast to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2024, and some regions and individual operators have already reached that benchmark this year. Travellers are on the move, but the way they discover, plan and book has changed significantly. According to the report, these trends are important for operators and suppliers of tours, activities and attractions.

Generative AI has been a major focus in the tech world, and is being used to help businesses optimise tour descriptions, automate bookings, communicate with customers and help guests write reviews.

Consumers are increasingly booking online; operators need to ensure they are listed on Google Things to do and have optimised their SEO, otherwise they risk not being found.

Short videos have become popular thanks to TikTok, Instagram Reels and Youtube Shorts, allowing younger travellers to discover experiences through social media rather than search engines.

Travellers are looking for immersive experiences that align with their values of sustainability and inclusion, such as Meow Wolf's artistic experiences or Chrissy Watts' transformative Hood Tours. Augmented reality and projection mapping are increasingly being used to blur the boundaries between fact and fiction.

Responsible tourism is increasingly popular as a way to benefit local communities and protect the environment. Companies are experimenting with different modes of transport, such as electric buses and self-driving cars, to become more sustainable.