Atlys reveals emerging travel trends for 2025

Atlys, a visa processing platform, has released its much-anticipated Travel Trends report, encompassing the key patterns that shaped travel in 2024 and offering a glimpse into emerging themes for 2025. Drawing from extensive data across its platform, the report highlights the evolving priorities of travellers and the broader shifts in the global travel landscape.

The year 2024 saw a steady resurgence in outbound travel, building on the momentum of 2023. Travellers sought meaningful experiences, with affordability and sustainability driving decisions. Cultural exploration, solo adventures, and wellness retreats gained prominence, reflecting a growing focus on personal enrichment and mental well-being. Adventure tourism and event-driven travel, such as major sports tournaments and global music tours, continued to draw significant interest, showcasing a shift toward immersive journeys.

Mohak Nahta, CEO and Founder of Atlys, commented on the trend, said:  “Tourism continues to grow year after year, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of meaningful travel. People aren’t just visiting destinations: they’re seeking deeper connections through hidden gems, local cuisines, and transformative adventures. This shift toward more enriching journeys is redefining how we experience the world. We, at Atlys, are committed to helping travellers navigate this evolution, making exploration seamless and memorable.”

Key Travel Trends Shaping 2025

1. Solo Women Travel: In 2025, solo female travel is set to become a defining trend, reflecting a growing focus on empowerment, personal growth, and exploration. Atlys data reveals that 30% of solo visa applications in 2024 came from women travelers, with projections indicating a 37% increase in 2025. Millennials and Gen Z women dominate this trend, accounting for nearly 70% of solo female travelers aged between their 20s and 40s. The most popular destinations for solo female travelers on the Atlys platform include Bali, Thailand, and Japan, known for their safety, affordability, and immersive cultural experiences.The rise of women-only travel groups and online communities has further fueled this shift toward independent travel, providing women with the confidence to explore the world on their own terms.
2. Asia’s Tourism Boom:  As Asia strengthens its position as a global tourism hub, destinations like Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam, Indonesia are set to witness significant growth in 2025. Thailand is targeting 40 million international visitors, supported by expanded visa-free policies, increased flight connectivity, and its ongoing efforts to legalize casinos, which could boost tourist arrivals during the low season. Japan is expected to draw 28 million visitors, with Expo 2025 in Osaka anticipated to attract 3.5 million international attendees, showcasing its global appeal. Vietnam and Indonesia, with its affordability, rich cultural heritage, and unspoiled natural beauty, continue to gain popularity among travelers.
3. The Rise of Wellness Escapes and Slow Travel:  Travellers are prioritizing wellness-focused trips, with destinations such as Bali, and Taiwan offering yoga retreats, meditation programs, and holistic health escapes. The rising trend of “slow travel” has encouraged longer stays in culturally immersive settings, where travellers can explore local traditions and reconnect with nature.  

4. Trailblazer Hotels: Travelers are increasingly drawn to unique accommodations that blend comfort with cultural immersion. The global boutique hotel market, valued at USD 25.04 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% through 2030, reflecting rising demand for properties that offer more than just a place to stay. Countries like Italy, Japan, Morocco, and South Africa captivate visitors with boutique riads, traditional ryokans, and vineyard retreats that reflect the lifestyle and traditions of the region. Many of these properties also provide local activities, such as cooking classes, guided cultural tours, or craft workshops, creating a deeper connection to the destination.
5. Adventure Travel: Adventure tourism is set to thrive in 2025, as travelers increasingly seek immersive and adrenaline-packed experiences. Destinations like Norway, renowned for its Arctic expeditions, and Peru, famous for treks through pristine wilderness such as the Inca Trail, are expected to draw significant interest. Similarly, Australia, celebrated for its vast national parks and unique wildlife, continues to attract adventure enthusiasts. These offbeat experiences reflect a growing global trend toward experiential travel that fosters deeper connections with nature and the environment.
6. Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations: 2024 saw a noticeable shift, with travellers increasingly seeking offbeat locations over traditional tourist hotspots. This trend is set to continue in 2025, with more people opting for hidden gems that promise unique cultural and natural experiences. Destinations like Slovenia, Laos, and the Faroe Islands are gaining recognition for their authenticity and charm, offering unspoiled beauty and meaningful interactions with local communities.

7. Pop Culture Pilgrimages: Travel inspired by pop culture is expected to thrive in 2025, as fans continue to plan trips around their favorite movies, shows, and music events. Popular series and influencer-led travel content are fueling excitement for destinations, encouraging travelers to explore local cuisines, traditions, and unique experiences tied to the regions featured. These journeys allow fans to immerse themselves in the worlds they admire, seamlessly blending entertainment with cultural discovery for a truly memorable experience. According to Atlys, there has been a significant surge in visa interest for destinations linked to global media phenomena, with a notable example being Singapore’s Disney Cruise, which is predicted to see a 27.12% rise in demand in 2025.
8. Nature’s Greatest Shows: Natural spectacles will continue to captivate travelers in 2025, offering extraordinary opportunities for awe and inspiration. Destinations like Iceland and Norway, renowned for the Aurora Borealis, and Egypt, with its prime locations for witnessing solar eclipses, are expected to see a surge in interest. Bioluminescent beaches in Puerto Rico and the Maldives are also drawing visitors with their magical glow. These journeys offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, creating visually stunning and meaningful experiences. According to Atlys data, demand for visas to destinations famous for their natural wonders is on the rise, with Iceland predicted to see an 18.37% increase and Egypt a remarkable 43% increase in 2025.
9. Culinary Tourism: Culinary tourism is rapidly growing, with the market projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.78% between 2024 and 2031. Iconic events like Italy’s Truffle Festival, Thailand’s Songkran Food Festival, and the Cheese Festival in France are drawing travelers eager to explore local flavors and traditions. Destinations such as Japan, renowned for its sushi and ramen, and Turkey, celebrated for its baklava and traditional meze, are also gaining traction. Social media platforms, especially Instagram, have fueled this trend by showcasing vibrant food festivals and unique dining experiences, making gastronomy a key driver of travel decisions for 2025.

Shifting Demographics and Preferences:

Indian travellers, a critical segment for Atlys, exhibited unique preferences in 2024 that are shaping 2025 trends:

• Youthful Wanderlust: 60.74% of Atlys users in 2024 were under 35, demonstrating Gen Z’s and millennials’ dominance in travel.
• Increased Mobility: Business and leisure travel hybrid (bleisure) saw significant growth, with 24% of travellers opting for extended stays to explore beyond work commitments.
• The growing middle class and the emergence of tier 2 and tier 3 cities paved the way for more international travellers seeking authentic, budget-friendly travel experiences abroad.
• Cities that travelled the most: Bangalore lead the way, with Delhi and Mumbai following.

Looking ahead, travel will continue to evolve with a focus on personalization and convenience. As technological advancements streamline the planning process, travellers will benefit from more efficient, tailored experiences.