Illustration by Jenn Martins

In this issue, we turn to both our reporters' knowledge and industry experts to show us the way. We hear from some of the top executives in the industry, who talk with editor in chief Arnie Weissmann about their expectations.

And our reporting team, which is on the front lines of newsgathering every day, look to top sources and the trends they've gleaned over the past 12 months to give a robust picture of what we may soon see.

Here are additional predictions: This will be a pivotal year for NDC. Generative AI will continue to influence the tech conversation (and advisor workflows). Travelers will still want Italy -- and Japan. Group demand will shine in accommodations. Cruising and tours will continue to show strength. 

Travel Weekly's Preview 2025

Introduction to the 2025 Preview issue
Introduction to the 2025 Preview issue
Normalization. Moderation. Anticipation. Expectation. If 2024 was the year that the big buzzword "revenge travel" bit the dust, what does that mean for 2025? We wonder whether this year will be the year that travel bookings and prices drop, or whether consumers' wanderlust continues unabated.
An introduction to Preview's Executive View
Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott; Hawaii Gov. Josh Green; Gloria Bohan, CEO of Omega World Travel; Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys; and David Neeleman, CEO of Breeze Airways and chairman of Azul, provide their views to editor in chief Arnie Weissmann on what lies ahead in 2025.
Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International
Executive View: Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International
"I'm not sure I would characterize today as a particularly stable time, but despite that, economies in many parts of the world continue to be from solid to thriving."
Josh Green, Hawaii Governor
Executive View: Josh Green, Hawaii Governor
"I've asked our leadership to revamp our message to say that people are welcomed in Hawaii, rather than overemphasize some kind of social message."
Gloria Bohan, CEO, Omega World Travel
Executive View: Gloria Bohan, CEO, Omega World Travel
"With a switch in administrations, there are high hopes as well as concerns. I don't know that you're going to see many people spending a lot of money, initially."
Anna Nash, president, Explora Journeys
Executive View: Anna Nash, president, Explora Journeys
"People want to take to the water, and there's a wave of momentum for the entire sector. We're a new brand on a growth mission at exactly the right time."
David Neeleman, CEO, Breeze Airways and Chairman, Azul Brazilian Airlines
Executive View: David Neeleman, CEO, Breeze Airways and Chairman, Azul Brazilian Airlines
"Obviously, there are going to be geopolitical flare-ups around the world, but hopefully we're headed to a more peaceful time."
A panoramic view of Cape Town. Some advisors are seeing interest among clients in more far-flung destinations, including South Africa.
Preview 2025: The year ahead for travel advisors
With consumer demand for advisors still high, it's shaping up to be another robust year.
Spirit Airlines will try to chart a course toward profitability when it emerges from bankruptcy in 2025.
Preview 2025: The year ahead for aviation
Low-cost U.S. airlines will ramp up attempts to compete more effectively in the surging premium market. Airlines could begin to shift away from their NDC efforts. International travelers will enjoy new nonstop connections.
A rendering of the MSC World America, one of more than a half-dozen large cruise ships debuting in 2025.
Preview 2025: The year ahead for cruising
Cruise lines will benefit from strong forward bookings, and capacity restraints will keep pricing healthy for much of the year.
With Gen Z emerging as an increasingly influential market force, many hotels will be reimagining core aspects of their operations in 2025.
Preview 2025: The year ahead for hotels and hospitality
The emergence of Gen Z travelers and the strength of group travel will be among the trends that shape hospitality in 2025.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar speaking at the U.S. Travel Association's annual Future of Travel Mobility conference in Washington in November.
Preview 2025: The year ahead for U.S. travel policy
A Trump administration may be a known entity for the travel industry, but as some of the nontraditional cabinet picks have indicated, it is also one with the potential to surprise.
A Viking ship cruising the Rhine River. Viking's 2025 inventory is already 67% booked.
Preview 2025: The year ahead for river cruising
To meet demand, lines are adding ships next year, both newbuilds and repurposed ships.
Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, South Korea. Demand for the country looks strong for 2025.
Preview 2025: The year ahead for tours
Tour operators are betting on interest in specific countries and regions. And some see opportunity in the adventure segment.
Richard Turen
Reality Check: Whatever else 2025 will be, it won't be boring
Columnist Richard Turen predicts the trends, consumer behavior and emerging opportunities that travel advisors will see in 2025.
JDS Travel News JDS Viewpoints JDS Africa/MI