2025 travel trends: ESG, digital detox and nocturnal tourism

Environmental, social and governance considerations, digital detoxing and nocturnal tourism are set to define global travel trends in 2025.

According to the Pacific Asia Travel Association, ESG will continue to play a larger role in the global tourism market as more travelers seek to minimize their environmental impact.

“Sustainable travel continues to grow, with travelers becoming more aware of their environmental footprint and actively seeking ways to reduce their carbon impact,” PATA said in its 2025 PATA Patterns Report, released Dec. 20, 2024. “Travelers are increasingly consistent in seeking out sustainable travel and tour options.”

A study from the World Travel & Tourism Council found that 75 percent of global travelers want to travel more sustainably in 2025, and the travel industry is responding to this demand.

In 2024, Booking.com began labeling and filtering accommodations with sustainability certifications. “As a leader in travel, we believe we have a responsibility to preserve and build a world worth experiencing, and to help promote a more sustainable travel industry — culturally, environmentally and socioeconomically,” said Danielle D’Silva, director of sustainability at Booking.com.

Digital detoxing is also gaining traction, with more travelers turning off social media to enhance their vacation experience. According to the 2025 Hilton Trends Report, 24 percent of 13,001 global travelers surveyed from June 5-26, 2024, said they now power down and disconnect from social media during vacations more than in the past.

Nocturnal tourism is another growing trend, with travelers seeking destinations known for dark skies and starbathing experiences. A study commissioned by Booking.com found that 60 percent of 27,713 respondents across 33 countries from July to August 2024 were considering visiting destinations with minimal light pollution to get a closer view of the cosmos.

Additionally, 61 percent of respondents said they prefer to travel after dark, especially to avoid crowded tourist spots during the day. To accommodate these changing preferences, many attractions are extending their hours, while new nighttime experiences, such as stargazing tours and night markets, are emerging.