TripAdvisor's Trendcast Report: Unveiling the Future of Travel

TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel platform, has launched its first-ever Trendcast report, exploring the trends reshaping travel and predictions for the years ahead. Informed by the company's global insights, search, booking, and behavioral data, along with user-generated content from over one billion reviews and contributions, the Trendcast report offers a glimpse into the future of travel. Sponsored by leading travel insurance provider Travel Guard, the report provides unique forecasting opportunities for the travel industry.

The inaugural Trendcast report identifies six major trends that are redefining the art of travel, from what motivates us to how we explore and who we share our experiences with. These trends look at the holistic experience of travel, mapping out the destinations, experiences, and motivations that are shaping the future of the industry.

1. Beauty Voyagers: Beauty-minded travelers are making trips out of far-off treatments they can't get elsewhere, from local rituals to cutting-edge new technologies. Mentions of skincare treatments are up 87% in Tripadvisor forums, and beauty bookings have surged by 400%. To capitalize on this trend, investors can explore partnerships or investments in businesses offering unique beauty treatments and experiences, such as spas, wellness retreats, or skincare product manufacturers. Conduct thorough market research to identify popular and emerging treatments, and assess the credibility and reputation of potential partners or investees. Diversify investments across different treatment types and geographical locations to spread risk.
2. Time Tripping: Remote and hybrid work has redefined travel, with "work-cations" becoming mainstream. Travelers are looking to maximize experiences outside the 9-to-5, with searches for 'open late' and '24-hours' more than doubling (110%) over the last year. The Nautilus Maldives has thrown out the clock entirely, offering no schedules or closing times. Investors can explore businesses offering flexible scheduling, late-night tours, or 24-hour services, such as hotels, tour operators, or activity providers. Evaluate the target market's demand for these services and assess the potential impact of seasonality on revenue. Diversify investments across different types of businesses and locations to spread risk.
3. Written in the Stars: With the rise of trends like 'WitchTok' and interest in the mystical and cosmic realms reaching the mainstream, spiritual experiences are in demand. Tripadvisor searches for bookings containing words like 'astrology,' 'tarot' and 'full moon' have shot up over 500% in the last two years. The Standard in London has rolled out monthly zodiac retreats, while Costa Navarino's Mandarin Oriental now has crystal healing readings on the spa menu. Investors can explore partnerships or investments in businesses offering astrology, tarot, or crystal healing services, such as wellness retreats, spas, or online platforms. Assess the credibility and reputation of potential partners or investees, and evaluate the target market's demand for these services. Diversify investments across different service types and geographical locations to spread risk.
4. Investigative Eating: Conversations around food sustainability are up 65% across reviews and forums as people seek out ethically sourced dining options on their travels. Attractions like farms and farmers markets are growing 1,400% faster than the broader food and drink experience category. Investors can explore partnerships or investments in businesses focusing on sustainable farming, farm-to-table restaurants, or ethical food production. Conduct thorough market research to identify popular and emerging sustainable practices, and assess the potential impact of regulatory changes or supply chain disruptions on revenue. Diversify investments across different business models and geographical locations to spread risk.
5. Nano Neighborhoods: Travelers are growing tired of the tourist trail and trying to cram multiple destinations into one trip. Instead, they're taking their time to immerse themselves in specific neighborhoods, one street at a time. Neighborhood attraction pages on Tripadvisor are growing 134% faster than the average for attractions. Invest in local tour operators, experience providers, or accommodations that offer immersive neighborhood experiences. Consider companies that specialize in connecting travelers with local hosts or homestay options, allowing for a more authentic and immersive experience. Support businesses that focus on sustainable and ethical tourism practices, as travelers are becoming more conscious of their impact on local communities and the environment.
6. Solo Social: Solo travel isn't just circumstantial anymore—it's aspirational—but it doesn't mean exploring alone. Turning independent adventures into shared experiences, over one-third (36%) of solo travelers said 'eeting new people' was a primary motivation for their trips and are 60% more likely to mention 'aking friends' in their reviews. The industry is catching up with the needs of solo travelers, with solo cabins on cruise liners to solo-friendly menus at hot new restaurants. Invest in travel companies that cater to solo travelers, such as those offering solo-friendly tours, accommodations, or cruise liners with solo cabins. Consider companies that provide technology solutions for solo travelers, like apps or platforms that facilitate connections with like-minded individuals.



In conclusion, the trends identified in the Tripadvisor Trendcast report present significant investment opportunities for investors, from Beauty Voyagers to Nano Neighborhoods. By capitalizing on these trends and mitigating associated risks through thorough due diligence, market research, and diversification, investors can benefit from the growing demand for unique experiences and immersive travel. As the global economy grows, remote work becomes more prevalent, and societal shifts towards individualism and mental health awareness continue, these trends are likely to remain relevant and may even accelerate.