1. Travel Through Taste

Food tourism is booming, with "food" now becoming a key factor for many when planning trips. According to Trip.com data, since 2024, over 60% of users have searched for food-related content, highlighting that "eating" has long been an indispensable pleasure of travel! 

In the Asia-Pacific region, the top 3 most popular culinary experiences are “Food festivals (62%)”, “Hotel dining (60%)”, and “Street food tours (52%).” Among these, travelers from Hong Kong and Singapore are particularly keen on exploring street food, while those from Japan and South Korea prefer fine dining in hotels, balancing convenience and quality.

Food is not just about filling your stomach; it's also a crucial way to explore local culture! Popular searches in 2024 show that travelers love to look up "nearby food," "snack streets," and "takeout," with the most popular dining types including "farm-to-table," "buffets," "barbecue," "hot pot," and "seafood."

Different demographics also have varying food preferences – men tend to enjoy wine and craft beer tastings, while women are particularly interested in cooking classes, believing that making local dishes themselves is the true way to experience local flavors. Millennials, in particular, love fun, interactive food experiences, from artistic cuisine to immersive dining, turning meals into an enjoyment. Cities like Tokyo, Paris, and Bangkok, with their rich and unique culinary cultures, have become dream destinations for food tourism, attracting foodies from around the world.

When planning travel products in the future, consider designing "local food experiences" as highlights of your itineraries. Instead of directly recommending attractions, try to create an impulse in travelers like, "I want to go there to eat this!" This might be the best reason to attract them to embark on a journey!

2. Media-Inspired Travels

Not enough with just binge-watching? Travel to the filming locations! In fact, this has become a new travel trend! A staggering 70% of Asia-Pacific travelers say their travel plans are influenced by film and television works, with romantic comedies and adventure genres being the most appealing. The young demographic aged 25 to 34 are most enthusiastic about traveling to film locations, and even among travelers over 65, nearly half (48%) decide their next trip based on a show.

This trend is spreading across different markets – in Malaysia, 91% of travelers admit their travel inspiration comes from popular films and TV series, such as the French romance of "Emily in Paris" or the Korean variety challenges of "Running Man." In South Korea, 66% of travelers say movies and TV shows are crucial in their travel decisions, especially food-related content like "Culinary Class Wars," which drives many foodies to fly to the filming locations to savor local cuisine. In Thailand, variety shows like "MasterChef" and "Iron Chef" encourage travelers to embark on culinary adventures abroad.

For travel operators, this is the perfect opportunity to craft eye-catching itineraries! Consider designing fan-focused tours like 'Filming Location Adventures,' 'Ultimate Food Challenges,' or 'Idol-Inspired Getaways,' giving travelers the chance to step into the worlds they see on screen and experience the excitement of movies and TV series. When a journey transforms into an immersive story, who can resist such temptation?

3. Cruise Tourism Sees Major Growth

Cruise travel is growing rapidly, becoming a major highlight of the 2025 travel market. According to survey data, 44% of travelers value onboard dining experiences, 38% prefer all-inclusive packages, and 31% are fond of live shows or entertainment performances.

In Asia, the most popular cruise ports of call include Tokyo, Kyoto, Jeju Island, and the Maldives, while globally, Venice and Sydney are the most attractive destinations.

Travelers from different markets show unique preferences:

► Hong Kong travelers love sea views and fresh air, with those over 65 particularly valuing onboard dining experiences (78%).

► Japanese travelers highly favor all-inclusive service models, especially those aged 45 to 54, while younger travelers tend to choose unique cruise destinations (60%).

► Malaysian travelers are keen on exploring new destinations (64%), with younger travelers hoping to meet new friends during their trips.

► Singaporean travelers prioritize affordability and show great interest in Casablanca, Morocco.

► South Korean travelers prefer luxury cruise experiences and highly value onboard dining options and convenience.

Overall, sea views and food entertainment are the core attractions of cruise travel. Now is the crucial time to create personalized experiences and innovative itineraries to seize the cruise boom! Through differentiated products and precise promotions, operators can attract more travelers and open up new sea travel experiences.

4. Big Events Driving Movement

Entertainment tourism is rapidly emerging, with concerts and sports events becoming significant travel motivations. In 2024, Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" caused a global frenzy, attracting record-breaking fan groups and further promoting music tourism. 

In Asia Pacific, nearly two in three respondents have planned vacations around concerts at least once, with 66% willing to travel internationally to watch their favourite artists live. The demand for sports tourism is also growing, with major events like the UEFA European Championship attracting numerous fans. Football remains the most popular choice for sports tourism, followed by basketball and the increasingly popular F1 races. Moreover, sports fans' travel needs are not limited to the games themselves; they also want to explore local culture, cuisine, and attractions before and after the events, enriching their entire journey.

Entertainment tourism in 2025 will further develop towards immersive experiences, with innovative models combining concerts and travel itineraries bringing new growth momentum to the tourism industry.

5. The Social Media-Driven Explorer

Social media's influence is increasingly powerful, with 45% of respondents saying their travel plans were inspired by viral content on platforms like TikTok, with Tokyo and Kyoto becoming the most sought-after travel hotspots.

Young Japanese travelers are particularly fond of social media, with up to 60% of those aged 18 to 24 and 50% of those aged 25 to 34 deciding their travel destinations based on social media trends, closely aligning their travel plans with popular culture.

62% of Malaysian respondents admitted that they have chosen travel destinations influenced by trends on social media. Bali, Tokyo, and Seoul are among the most common popular choices.

In Singapore, 70% of travelers discover new places through social media, with Tokyo, Bali, Kyoto, and China being destinations most affected by social media trends.

Over 95% of South Korean respondents are active on social media and are keen to gain travel inspiration from it. Popular destinations include Tokyo, Seoul, and Kyoto.

Thai travelers are equally enthusiastic, with 69% of respondents revealing they have planned travel based on social media trends and plan to continue doing so in the future, especially millennials.

The impact of social media on travel decisions highlights the passion for cultural exchange and seeking authentic experiences. Today, travelers increasingly value destinations that offer unique cultural experiences and memorable moments, and these emerging hotspots are often discovered through social media sharing and recommendations rather than traditional tourist locations.

6. Magic of Unique Niche Experiences

Today's travelers are seeking more than just sightseeing; they crave deeper, more authentic experiences that allow them to connect with the heart of their destination. Whether it's savoring farm-to-table dining, engaging in local craft workshops, or hiking with expert guides, these activities provide lasting memories while benefiting local communities. It’s a win-win for both travelers and the tourism industry.

In addition, younger travelers are embracing AI tools for more tailored travel plans, personalized recommendations, and real-time translations, making their journeys smoother and more flexible. Even older travelers are getting in on the tech trend, using apps to simplify their travel experience. Studies show that 65% to 75% of Japanese travelers rely on booking apps and review platforms.

With advancements in translation, smart booking, and navigation tools, the future of travel promises to be more personalized, eco-friendly, and enriching. The digital age ensures that travelers can enjoy not only unique destinations but a whole new way to experience the world.

Conclusion

The tourism market is evolving rapidly. Are you ready to embrace these exciting new trends? As traveler demands become more segmented and digital tools take center stage, travel experience providers must adopt efficient management systems to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.

The rezio booking management system is your perfect digital partner, empowering you to:

► Effortlessly manage online bookings, saving valuable time

► Build a strong distribution network, boosting your market reach

► Enhance customer experiences, strengthening your brand reputation

Now is the ideal time for digital transformation! If your travel business isn’t yet using a booking management system, let rezio be your trusted partner for global expansion. Contact us today for a free trial and start growing your global reach!