Leisure Travel - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Leisure Travel was estimated at US$1.7 Trillion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$5.4 Trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 21.9% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Leisure Travel market.

Global Leisure Travel Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

How Is Leisure Travel Evolving in the World of Experience-Driven Journeys?

Leisure travel is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by changing consumer expectations, lifestyle shifts, and a renewed appreciation for meaningful experiences. Following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers are now placing greater emphasis on flexibility, wellness, and immersive encounters over traditional sightseeing tours. This change has reshaped the way people plan, book and engage with their travel itineraries. Instead of simply visiting famous landmarks, travelers are seeking deeper cultural engagement, personalized adventures, and off-the-beaten-path destinations that provide authentic and enriching experiences. Many are now blending leisure with other life aspects such as wellness, gastronomy, learning, and even remote work, giving rise to hybrid travel trends like 'bleisure' and 'workations.' Destinations that offer nature-based activities, mindfulness retreats, local community interactions, and sustainable practices are gaining popularity. In parallel, digital tools and mobile apps have made planning and navigating trips more seamless, allowing travelers to adapt quickly and make real-time decisions. The pandemic has also triggered a desire to reconnect with loved ones, prompting a surge in multigenerational travel, group getaways, and bucket-list experiences. As health and safety remain top priorities, travelers are gravitating toward destinations and operators that offer flexible bookings, hygiene transparency, and contactless services. Leisure travel is no longer just an escape; it has evolved into a form of personal growth, emotional recharge, and purposeful exploration.

What Innovations and Trends Are Reshaping How Leisure Travel Is Designed and Delivered?

The leisure travel industry is being reshaped by a wave of innovation across travel planning, customer engagement, and service delivery. Technology is at the forefront of this transformation, with artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and virtual reality tools revolutionizing how travelers discover and book trips. AI-driven platforms are now capable of offering hyper-personalized travel suggestions based on a traveler's preferences, past behavior, and real-time data such as weather or local events. Virtual and augmented reality applications allow users to preview destinations, hotel rooms, and attractions before making commitments, thereby enhancing confidence in their choices. Another significant trend is the use of eco-friendly technologies and sustainable travel practices, such as electric transportation, carbon offset options, and low-impact accommodations, which appeal to environmentally conscious travelers. Additionally, the integration of blockchain in loyalty programs and travel records is enhancing transparency and data security. Travel companies are also leveraging social media platforms for real-time interaction, customer feedback, and viral marketing through influencer collaborations. Mobile apps are central to itinerary management, contactless check-ins, digital boarding passes, and language translation tools, making the overall travel experience smoother and more autonomous. These innovations are not only improving convenience but also enabling more meaningful, curated travel experiences that align with travelers' personal values, making leisure travel more responsive and emotionally resonant than ever before.

Why Are Demographic Shifts and Lifestyle Preferences Driving Demand for Diverse Leisure Travel Offerings?

Changing demographics and evolving lifestyle preferences are having a profound impact on the global leisure travel market, prompting industry players to rethink their strategies and offerings. Millennials and Gen Z travelers, now major contributors to the travel economy, prioritize unique experiences, digital convenience, and social media-worthy moments over luxury or traditional holiday formats. These younger travelers are more likely to choose hostels, boutique hotels, and local homestays instead of large resorts, and they tend to favor spontaneous, shorter trips over extended, planned vacations. On the other end of the spectrum, older travelers and retirees are increasingly seeking culturally enriching, slow-paced journeys, often with a focus on heritage, history, and wellness. Meanwhile, families are showing growing interest in educational travel that combines recreation with learning opportunities for children. Solo travel is also on the rise, driven by growing self-reliance, flexible work arrangements, and a desire for introspective experiences. Urban professionals are increasingly looking for restorative escapes that provide balance and reconnection with nature. Across all age groups, there is a stronger desire for authenticity, ethical tourism, and personalization. These demographic and lifestyle shifts are driving the diversification of travel packages, inspiring the rise of niche experiences such as culinary tours, eco-lodges, spiritual retreats, and adventure sports. As travelers seek to align their trips with their identities and values, the leisure travel market is expanding its offerings to reflect a more nuanced, multidimensional approach to vacationing.

What Is Driving the Growth in the Global Leisure Travel Market?

The growth in the global leisure travel market is driven by a combination of economic recovery, rising disposable income, technological advancement, and shifting consumer behavior toward experience-led lifestyles. As global travel restrictions have eased and vaccination rates have increased, consumer confidence in travel has rebounded strongly. A pent-up demand for exploration and reconnection has led to a surge in bookings for domestic and international leisure trips, with many travelers willing to spend more on premium, curated experiences that align with their interests. Economic growth in emerging markets is expanding the middle-class segment, increasing the number of first-time travelers who seek aspirational travel experiences. The widespread use of digital tools has streamlined travel research, bookings, and payments, making leisure travel more accessible to a wider audience. In addition, governments in several countries are promoting tourism through investment in infrastructure, visa liberalization, and marketing campaigns, further fueling inbound and outbound travel. Social media continues to play a vital role in travel inspiration and decision-making, amplifying trends and influencing consumer choices. Meanwhile, the rise of sustainable and regenerative travel practices is drawing travelers who are conscious of their environmental and social impact. Combined with the increasing popularity of flexible work environments and digital nomadism, these factors are creating new pathways for sustained growth. Altogether, this dynamic environment is ensuring that leisure travel remains a resilient and evolving sector in the global economy, driven by both aspiration and innovation.

Scope Of Study:

The report analyzes the Leisure Travel market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments: Traveler Type (Solo Traveler, Group Traveler); Age Group (Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennial, Generation Z); Expenditure Type (Lodging, Transportation, Food & Beverages, Events & Entertainment, Other Expenditure Types); Distribution Channel (Conventional Distribution Channel, Online Distribution Channel)

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Solo Traveler segment, which is expected to reach US$4.2 Trillion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 23.7%. The Group Traveler segment is also set to grow at 17.0% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $450.8 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 29.5% CAGR to reach $1.3 Trillion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Leisure Travel Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Leisure Travel Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Leisure Travel Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Accor SA, Airbnb, Inc., Amadeus IT Group SA, American Express Global Business Travel, Booking Holdings Inc. and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 34 companies featured in this Leisure Travel market report include:

• Accor SA
• Airbnb, Inc.
• Amadeus IT Group SA
• American Express Global Business Travel
• Booking Holdings Inc.
• Carnival Corporation & plc
• China Tourism Group Duty Free Corp Ltd
• Club Med
• Cox & Kings
• Expedia Group Inc.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd
• Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
• Intrepid Travel Pty Ltd.
• JTB Corporation
• MakeMyTrip Ltd.
• Marriott International, Inc.
• Royal Caribbean Group
• Thomas Cook India Ltd.
• Trip.com Group Ltd.
• TUI AG

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

• Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
• Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
• Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
• Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
• Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
• Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
• Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.