Travel Marketing Trends Hotels and Venues Need to Know for 2025

Travel is changing fast. Travelers today aren’t just looking for a place to stay—they want experiences, convenience, and a deeper connection to the places they visit. Whether it’s a family on vacation, a solo explorer, or a business traveler extending their trip for a little extra fun, expectations are higher than ever. And if you don’t keep up, you risk getting left behind.

This shift is apparent in bleisure travel, where business travelers blend work with leisure, turning quick trips into mini getaways. With more travelers prioritizing experience over routine, 2025’s biggest travel marketing trends are all about personalization, seamless digital experiences, and authentic, experience-driven stays.

From digital-first booking to sustainability-driven decisions, here are the most significant travel marketing trends you need to know to attract today’s travelers.

What is bleisure travel?

Business trips used to be all work, no play. Fly in, sit through meetings, sleep in a hotel, fly out. But now travelers are flipping the script. Bleisure travel is the answer to boring business trips. This is where business and leisure mix and a work trip turns into something worth looking forward to.

Think of it like this: Someone flies in for a conference, but instead of rushing home, they stick around for the weekend. Maybe they bring a partner or a friend. Maybe they squeeze in a local food tour after their last meeting. They’re traveling for work, but they’re making it fun. And here’s the kicker—hotels, venues, and destinations that cater to these travelers aren’t just filling rooms midweek; they’re turning short stays into longer, more profitable bookings.

For hotels, that could mean offering easy booking extensions or packages that highlight local must-dos. For venues and CVBs, it’s about making sure visiting professionals see your city as more than just a place to do business. Because when work trips start feeling like vacations, everybody wins.

6 travel and tourism trends changing the industry

The way people travel is always evolving. Whether it’s leisure travelers seeking richer experiences or business travelers extending their stays for some fun, these trends are shaping what hotels, venues, and destinations need to offer.

1. Noctourism – the rise of after-dark experiences

Who says sightseeing is just for the daytime? Noctourism is all about exploring cities, attractions, and experiences after dark. From night markets and stargazing tours to late-night museum openings and immersive theater, travelers are looking for unique ways to see a destination when the sun goes down.

This is an opportunity to market late-night experiences—think rooftop cocktail tastings, ghost tours, or exclusive after-hours access to local landmarks. 

For CVBs, highlight a city’s nightlife beyond the usual bars and clubs, making sure business travelers know there’s more to do once the meetings wrap up.

2. Neuroinclusivity – designing travel for all

More travelers are prioritizing neuroinclusivity—meaning travel experiences that accommodate people with autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, and other neurodivergent needs. This includes quiet spaces in airports, sensory-friendly hotel rooms, and clearer communication about what to expect at a destination.

Hotels and venues that embrace neuroinclusivity—offering flexible check-ins, low-sensory meeting spaces, and detailed pre-arrival guides—will stand out. Simple adjustments, like noise-free dining areas or dimmable lighting, make a big impact. Marketing should highlight these features, not as add-ons, but as essential elements of a more inclusive experience.

Here’s what Sarah Dietrich, Business Development Manager at Warwick Conferences told us in regards to “neuroinclusivity”:

“Venues will take another step forward on their sustainability journey in 2025 as they implement five-year plans towards net zero by 2030. ESG will be a laser focus, and we’ll see more quiet spaces introduced in venues, hotels, and events for greater inclusivity. This will result in a trend for streaming stages so that in-person audiences can remove themselves from the strobe lighting or intensity of the main stage auditorium and watch from the relative calm of a space designed especially for them.” 

3. SKI (Spending Kids’ Inheritance) – the boom of experience-first travel

Not all retirees and older travelers are waiting to pass down wealth—they’re spending it on bucket-list trips, luxury stays, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Known as SKI (Spending Kids’ Inheritance), this trend means more demand for high-end travel, personalized service, and exclusive experiences.

Market VIP packages, private tours, and premium stays that cater to this audience. Unique venues and CVBs should highlight luxury experiences like private yacht charters, heritage tours, or behind-the-scenes access to cultural sites. And for business travelers? The SKI trend influences incentive trips, where companies reward employees with high-end travel perks.

4. Passports to immortality 

Today’s travelers are chasing wellness, balance, and rejuvenation. The “Passports to Immortality” trend is all about wellness getaways and retreats that focus on mindfulness, healing, and longevity. Whether it's a yoga retreat in Bali, a detox spa weekend, or a silent meditation journey, people are booking these experiences not just for relaxation, but for a deeper connection to themselves.

This is a chance to market wellness-focused packages—think spa treatments, private yoga sessions, or nature-filled escapes. Venues with integrated wellness options, like organic meals, fitness facilities, or holistic treatments, should highlight these offerings in their marketing. 

If you’re a CVB, partner with wellness resorts to create all-inclusive retreats or wellness tourism experiences, promoting their destinations as the perfect place to unwind and refresh.

This wellness shift is also influencing business travelers who are increasingly blending work with wellness. Remote work and bleisure trips allow professionals to book wellness-focused retreats as part of their business travel, seeking a balanced lifestyle while on the road. Offer wellness experiences, from mindfulness sessions between meetings to rejuvenating spa treatments after a long day.

5. Meetings that feel like experiences 

Today’s event planners and business travelers want meetings that feel immersive, interactive, and memorable, not dull conference rooms and endless PowerPoint slides.

Hotels and venues that offer non-traditional meeting spaces—like beachside brainstorming sessions, wellness-focused retreats, or historic landmarks converted into event venues—are winning over planners. CVBs can highlight local experiences that elevate business events, such as team-building at a vineyard or networking dinners on a historic train.

For hotels, flexible meeting spaces, experiential add-ons (like wellness breaks or mixology classes), and seamless tech integration are key selling points. Marketing should focus on how meetings aren’t just functional—they’re fun and engaging.

6. Work from roam - the rise of the “hush trip”

Remote work isn’t just about working from home—it’s about working from anywhere. And in 2025, more professionals are taking "hush trips"—secretly working from vacation destinations while pretending to be at their desks.

Market work-friendly perks like coworking lounges, extended-stay discounts, and high-speed Wi-Fi as part of your travel packages. Cater to this trend—offering flexible meeting rooms or day passes for digital nomads—and tap into a growing audience of remote professionals.

For CVBs, positioning a destination as "the perfect place to mix work and play" attracts both leisure travelers and remote workers. And for business travelers, companies are getting on board, offering “work-from-anywhere” weeks as perks—meaning longer stays, more midweek bookings, and increased demand for business-friendly accommodations.

9 travel marketing trends hotels and venues need to watch

Here’s a breakdown of the most important travel marketing trends to watch in 2025 and beyond and what to do about them:

1. Personalization is non-negotiable

Travelers expect more than a generic experience. They want personalized attention that speaks to their preferences. Personalization is now a requirement for engaging modern travelers.

• Use data-driven insights to understand guests’ past stays, preferences, and behaviors.

• Tailor offers and recommendations that make guests feel valued, such as customized itineraries or room upgrades based on their profile.

• Use AI-powered tools to make responding to group requests for proposals (RFPs) easier. 

2. The localized experience boom

Travelers are moving away from cookie-cutter itineraries and instead seeking authentic, localized experiences.

• Promote local culture, food, and activities to show your destination in a unique light.

• Collaborate with local artisans, chefs, and event organizers to create immersive experiential packages that highlight your destination’s character.

• Travelers want to live like locals, so integrating local experiences into your marketing increases engagement and conversions.

3. AI-powered travel planning

AI is revolutionizing the way people plan their trips, and hotels must tap into this growing trend.

• Implement AI chatbots on your website to answer questions in real-time and guide travelers through the booking process.

• Leverage AI-driven recommendations to suggest personalized experiences, amenities, and promotions based on guest history and preferences.

• Automate marketing campaigns, such as personalized emails or promotions, to increase efficiency and keep guests engaged.

4. Subscription-based travel and membership perks

Subscription models are gaining popularity, offering travelers exclusive perks and savings for recurring stays.

• Create membership programs that reward loyal customers with benefits like discounts, early check-in, and access to exclusive experiences.

• Advertise subscription-based services—such as monthly hotel packages or discounted long-term stays—to appeal to repeat guests.

• These models foster guest retention, making it easier to market to an already-engaged audience.

5. Demand for carbon-positive stays

Sustainability is a huge driver of booking decisions today, especially among eco-conscious travelers.

• Highlight your sustainable practices—whether it’s using renewable energy, offering electric car charging stations, or reducing waste.

• Promote carbon-offset options for guests who want to leave a positive environmental impact. For event planners, include information and your certifications on the Cvent Supplier Network.

• Transparency in sustainability efforts will help you stand out to guests who are actively looking to minimize their carbon footprint.

6. Digital convenience wins bookings

Travelers want a seamless, hassle-free experience from the moment they land on your site to the moment they check out. The faster and easier you make the process, the more likely guests are to convert.

• Ensure your booking system is mobile-friendly, with a fast and easy-to-use interface for on-the-go travelers.

• Provide self-check-in options, virtual concierge services, and instant booking confirmations to streamline the process.

7. The rise of AI-generated travel content

AI is changing how content is created and consumed, and hotels can use this to their advantage.

• Use AI tools to generate personalized travel guides, blog posts, and email newsletters that resonate with individual traveler preferences.

• Automatically optimize SEO through AI-generated content to help increase your search visibility.

• AI tools help produce fresh, relevant content at scale, saving time while engaging your target audience.

8. The TikTok effect on travel decisions

TikTok has become a major influence on how travelers choose their destinations, experiences, and accommodations.

• Create engaging, short-form video content that shows off your venue, whether it’s a room tour, a behind-the-scenes look, or a local experience.

• Engage with TikTok influencers to tap into their loyal audience and showcase your venue in a fun, organic way.

• The viral potential of TikTok makes it an ideal platform for gaining mass exposure—particularly for younger, experience-driven travelers.

9. Influencers are the new travel agents 

Social media influencers have replaced traditional travel agents for a large segment of the market.

• Partner with relevant influencers who align with your brand to share their experiences at your property or venue.

• User-generated content is also key—encourage guests to post about their stays and tag your venue in their posts to expand your reach.

• Word-of-mouth through influencers creates authentic recommendations that resonate much more than traditional advertising.

Stay ahead of the curve with these travel marketing trends

Staying ahead of the latest marketing trends is crucial for hotels, venues, and CVBs to remain competitive. The trends outlined in this blog—from personalization to AI-powered content—are not just fads but significant shifts in how travelers engage with brands. 

Adopt these strategies to better connect with guests, boost bookings, and build stronger, lasting relationships with your audience. Next up, discover thetrends shaping meetings and events in 2025 and beyond.