Sabre, a leading technology provider to the travel industry, has conducted a comprehensive survey among its global workforce to shed light on anticipated travel trends for 2024. The insights, garnered from hundreds of Sabre team members worldwide, in conjunction with data analytics, offer valuable perspectives into the evolving landscape of the travel industry.
According to the survey, there are several key trends that are expected to shape the travel industry in the coming years. One of the primary trends is increased confidence in travel, with a significant number of travellers booking their leisure trips at least three months in advance. Additionally, over 75 per cent of respondents plan to take at least two vacations, while a fifth plan on taking four or five trips.
Another trend that has been identified is the willingness of travellers to allocate more money towards their journeys in 2024 compared to 2023. Nearly 90 per cent of surveyed travellers have stated that they will be maintaining or increasing their travel budgets. Younger travellers, such as those from Generation Z, are particularly willing to spend more on travel, which reflects their higher disposable incomes and a desire for enhanced travel experiences.
Another trend that is expected to emerge in 2024 is the concept of “revenge travel,” which is particularly popular among surveyed travellers in the Asia Pacific region. This refers to people feeling a strong desire to travel after being unable to do so during the pandemic. There is also a shift towards long-haul travel, with more than half of the respondents expressing a preference for such journeys or showing indifference to distance. Finally, there are some regional differences in terms of travel concerns and priorities. For example, Gen Z travellers, particularly in Asia Pacific, are particularly worried about lost luggage and are investing in insurance to mitigate this risk. Meanwhile, travellers from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa prioritize family-oriented destinations, while North Americans tend to prefer couples’ trips.
The survey also revealed that the majority of Sabre team members plan to take at least two leisure trips in 2024, which reflects a higher level of travel confidence. Additionally, it was found that air tickets for leisure travel are mostly purchased three months in advance, indicating a reduced concern about travel uncertainties. The survey also revealed generational spending patterns. The respondents expressed a willingness to spend more on air travel in 2024. Gen Z individuals showed the highest inclination to increase their travel budget compared to Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y.
Furthermore, the survey discovered that there were global variances in travel preferences. Asia Pacific respondents displayed higher budgets and increased plans for 2024 leisure travels compared to other regions. Trips for couples were universally popular, with a notable interest in family-oriented destinations among European, Middle Eastern, and African travellers.
The primary factors influencing travel decisions were identified as destination, available activities, and cost. Sustainability also gained prominence, with respondents willing to pay extra for sustainable options and carbon offsetting.
Seat selection was a top priority for both leisure and business travellers, emphasising the universal importance of comfort. Corporate travellers prioritized in-flight meals, while leisure travellers focused on seat selection and baggage ancillaries. Geographical differences emerged, with US respondents favoring insurance for flight changes and cancellations, while global preferences leaned towards medical insurance.
Lastly, Gen Z individuals expressed heightened concerns about lost or stolen baggage, possibly influenced by post-pandemic baggage-related issues.
