Adapt to flexible work trends

The future of tourism will be defined by seamless work-leisure integration, tech-driven MICE events, and immersive, sustainable travel experiences. As traveller expectations shift, businesses must adapt to flexible work trends, automation in MICE and demand for personalised, eco-conscious leisure journeys.

This year, tourism will see significant evolution in Bleisure, MICE and Leisure Travel, driven by changing traveller expectations, technological advancements, and shifting work patterns. Here is how each sector will likely develop:

Bleisure Travel (Business + Leisure)

Bleisure travel, where business trips are extended with leisure time, is expected to continue growing, especially as remote and hybrid work trends continue to gain traction. Key developments include:

• Blended work-leisure travel: With remote work and flexible work schedules on the rise, business travellers will extend their work trips for personal exploration.
• Increased interest in long-term stays: Instead of traditional short business trips, more professionals will opt for extended stays.
• Workcation packages: Travel companies and hotels will increasingly offer tailored “workcation” packages like local tours, wellness experiences, or excursions.
• Travel flexibility: Bleisure travellers will demand greater flexibility in terms of flight changes, accommodation cancellations, and itineraries.

MICE Tourism

The MICE sector is showing phenomenal uptrend, and by 2025 end, it will look different due to the integration of new technologies, changing safety protocols, and evolving preferences: Events are expected to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)  of 10 per cent. However, it will depend on the availability of visas from certain countries, airline and hotel rates. The demand for high-quality tech-enabled experiences will increase and it is time automation in MICE is given utmost importance.

• Sustainable events: MICE organisers will be under pressure to meet sustainability targets.
• Focus on health and safety: Event organisers will continue to prioritise attendee safety with advanced health protocols.
• Smaller, more intimate events: Instead of large, sprawling conferences, there could be a rise in more personalised and intimate events.
• Destination-based incentives: Incentive travel will be more personalised and experiential.

Leisure Travel

Leisure travel will evolve significantly in the next few years, influenced by changing societal trends and technological progress:

• Sustainable and conscious travel: Consumers will increasingly seek destinations that align with their values, focusing on sustainable tourism, eco-friendly accommodations, and local experiences.
• Tech-enhanced travel experiences: Virtual and augmented reality will enhance the travel experience, allowing travellers to “try before they buy” through virtual tours of destinations, hotels, or activities.
• Experiential and immersive travel: Leisure travellers will seek unique, immersive experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing.
• Focus on health and wellness: As part of a broader trend, wellness tourism will continue to rise, with many travellers seeking destinations and experiences that promote physical, mental, and emotional health. This will include yoga retreats, wellness spas, hiking trips, and meditative experiences.
• Digital detox and remote escapes: Many travellers will seek destinations that allow them to disconnect from their digital devices and enjoy solitude or reconnection with nature.
• Luxury and personalisation: Travellers of luxury segment will increasingly demand highly personalised experiences.
• Shorter, more frequent getaways: With more people working remotely and having flexible schedules, shorter but more frequent vacations will become common.

Key factors driving these changes across all sectors are technology, sustainability, Health and safety and Changing work trends