The best way of discovering Europe

  Nostalgia, personalization, destination hotels, Asia tourism booms, and spontaneous connections set to redefine global travel   Travel technology leader Amadeus today released its highly anticipated Travel Trends for 2025, giving a glimpse into the future of global travel.   Partnering with travel trends forecasting agency Globetrender and drawing on Amadeus’ proprietary and other leading industry data, the Amadeus 2025 Travel Trends report highlights five key trends promising to reshape the travel landscape in the coming year:  

• New Heydays: Change-weary travelers are longing for simpler, happier vacations driven by past experiences and a phenomenon known as "rosy retrospection."
• Personalized Flying: Advances in AI, 5G mobile connectivity, and VR will converge to create highly personalized, connected, and immersive experiences for air passengers.
• Trailblazer Hotels: Hotels are increasingly becoming destinations in their own right, as travelers plan trips around iconic, "calling card" properties with unique identities.
• Asia Uplift: Asia is gearing up for a travel renewal, aiming to reclaim its position as a key player in the global tourism industry.
• Connections IRL: As digital dating burnout rises, travel will become a new avenue for real-world relationships, from holiday romances to lasting friendships.

  "After a year where change has become the backdrop to daily life, travelers are seeking a deeper connection to people and places more than ever,” said Daniel Batchelor, Vice President, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications at Amadeus. He continued: “We’ll see a blend of old favorites and new immersive experiences, with one-of-a-kind stays putting destinations on the map. Asia is set for a tourism revival, while we are also seeing a rise in spontaneous solo travel, as people seek more off-screen, authentic experiences.”   Jenny Southan, founder and CEO of Globetrender, added: “It is important to predict the changing ways people are exploring the world, and the forces of influence that are determining their decisions. Partnering with Amadeus in producing this 2025 Travel Trends report means that together we can help businesses successfully anticipate the needs and demands of tomorrow's travelers. For consumers themselves, who are under pressure to keep finding joy in a volatile world, it is no surprise to see people looking to the ‘good old days’ when life was simpler, and turning to traditional means of making human connections, in spite of the ascent of artificial intelligence and other sci-fi technology.”   New Heydays   Nostalgia is fueling the rise of "new heydays," with the past taking center stage. From the comeback of 90s films and CDs to Gen Z’s love for digital cameras, culture is embracing the retro everywhere you look. In travel, adults are seeking to relive gap years, distant honeymoons and childhood dreams - for example, Airbnb listed a Polly Pocket-inspired rental - and U.S. travelers are flocking back to Miami, a "Miami Vice" era hotspot.   As millennials enter middle age, we will see the revival of the classic caravan and camping holiday. Eurocamp is seeing a huge rise in bookings, with 2024 shaping up to be its best year in five decades. In the U.S., adult summer camps are also booming, with Club Getaway reporting a 9% jump in revenue from its adult segments in 2024 compared to 2023.   Personalized Flying   In 2025, air travel will reach new heights of personalization, blending smart tech with customized in-flight experiences. Although many passengers consume content on their own devices, airlines are upping the ante by combining algorithmic entertainment with hyper-personalized in-flight systems that deliver box-fresh content – from movies and TV series to adverts and things to buy – that are tailored to the individual flyer, based on their historic preferences [as loyalty scheme members].   With high-speed Wi-Fi from providers like SpaceX's Starlink now available, passengers can stream their favorite content mid-flight just as effortlessly as they would at home. We may also see airlines increasingly loaning VR headsets to passengers in first and business class – in 2024, premium airline start-up Beond began handing out Apple Vision Pros to people flying its Maldives route.   Trailblazer Hotels   In 2025, hotels will make headlines by increasingly becoming destinations in their own right – they will immerse guests in the local culture, history, and natural beauty of their surroundings. For example, guests will be enamored by the charm of restored Mozambiquan Dhows at Jannah Lamu in Kenya or leaning into the old-world charm of the Maryhill Estate in Sweden.   While many trailblazer hotels are independently owned, some belong to larger chains. Reverb Hamburg, a Hard Rock property, opened in a World War II-era bunker; Bunkhouse hotels in the US, known for creating memorable boutique experiences with flagships in Texas, California, and Kentucky; while Marriott International’s Edition Lake Como, set in a 19th-century Italian mansion, opens in 2025. Major hotel groups are adapting too, launching curated boutique collections such as Accor’s Handwritten Collection,  which is expected to include more than 17 hotels globally by 2025.   Asia Uplift   After years of restricted travel, travelers are excited to rediscover Asia’s cultural treasures. China is opening its doors to millions by expanding visa-free travel, while Thailand’s new digital nomad visas and broader visa-free program for 93 countries are set to attract a global audience.   Pop culture is also driving interest, with the upcoming season of The White Lotus set in Thailand, Squid Game season two expected to boost travel to South Korea, and renewed curiosity about Japan’s history inspired by the TV series Shōgun. Adding to this momentum, Iberia has recently launched direct flights between Madrid and Tokyo, making it easier than ever for travelers to explore Japan.   Over the next 15 years, IATA predicts that Asia Pacific will record the fastest rise in passenger numbers and contribute to more than half of the net increase in global passenger numbers by 2043. Amadeus data reflects this momentum as outbound travel from Chengdu, China, surged 66% to 35.2 million passengers from 2016 to 2023, while Guangzhou grew 20%. Delhi also saw a 31% rise with over 30 million outbound passengers in 2023.   Connections IRL   Facing digital fatigue, travelers are closing their apps and opening their passports, using travel to make new friends and even find romance in real life. According to Amadeus booking data, solo leisure travel soared by 15.6% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with a further 9.2% rise so far in 2024.   The 2025 trends report predicts a wave of group and solo adventures designed to spark genuine connections. From G Adventures "Solo-ish" trips combating loneliness, to TimeLeft, an app for travelers that lets you meet five strangers for dinner every Wednesday in over 60 countries. Socially driven festival tourism is also on the rise, with members of the LGBTQ+ community set to gather in Washington DC for World Pride 2025.

Amadeus River Cruises has launched its 2025 European river cruise programme which includes new excursion categories. To mark the release, it has rolled out a new travel agent incentive. The 2025 river cruise schedule features itineraries in 13 countries on ten luxury river ships. They range from five to 16 days and include two brand new excursion categories – AMADEUS Active and AMADEUS Taste. The AMADEUS Active excursions feature activities for a range of energy and fitness levels. They include a cycle tour in Vienna along the famous Danube Cycle Path and hiking to the Pöstlingberg in Linz. The AMADEUS Taste excursions are interactive experiences which include visits to wineries and markets with tastings of local wine and delicacies. Prices for the 2025 programme start from £626 per person for the four-night Magic of Advent on the Rhine sailing between Cologne and Strasbourg on 11 December. To mark the launch, Amadeus River Cruises is offering a 15% early booking discount on all 2025 itineraries booked before 30 November 2024. Plus, travel agents have the chance to cruise for free courtesy of the new 'Book 5, Cruise Free' incentive. All travel agents need to do is to make five new 2024 or 2025 Amadeus bookings before 31 December 2024 to earn a seven-night European cruise for two, departing in 2025 or 2026. The free cruise is in an upgraded B1 stateroom.

Related News Stories:  MSC Cruises Unveils £99/Є99 Flights to the Mediterranean for ...     WTM London     Partner News

 

- Amadeus Nova to cruise on the Rhine & Danube from spring 2024 -

  Amadeus River Cruises has announced that it is planning a new generation of passenger ships and embarking on a new chapter in premium river cruising with the introduction of Amadeus Nova on the Rhine and Danube in spring 2024. Amadeus Nova will combine luxurious facilities, modern design and innovative shipping technology that will set new environmental protection standards on rivers and create a new generation of passenger ships.   The new vessel is equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric drive and a powerful battery that ensures maximum engine power. The latest generation engines not only significantly reduce emissions but also almost completely eliminate the emission of pollutants thanks to in-house developed filters and catalysts. Moreover, solar panels feed electric energy into the ship’s circuit. The ship also features innovative heat recovery systems that make the heat from the electric engine room and public areas reusable. Highly insulated glass minimises heat loss in winter and heat penetration through widows and glazed areas in summer. Additionally, the use of autonomous control and positioning systems, as well as a semi-autonomous cruising option that aids the captain and increases safety and fuel efficiency are trend-setting changes.   Wolfgang Lüftner, founder and managing director, comments: “Amadeus Nova is our response to the question of whether you can combine ship comfort with environmental awareness. With the new generation, we want to offer the most progressive and environmentally-friendly technology currently available. Thus, Amadeus Nova truly reflects our commitment to sustainable travel. The ship maintains all the characteristics for which the Amadeus fleet is famous and offers customers a new style of luxury cruising.”   Amadeus Nova has four decks, 12 spacious suites (approximately 26.40 m²) with balconies, 67 exterior cabins (approximately 17.50 m² in size and mainly with panoramic windows which can be lowered), elegant wind-protected lounge areas, an open Café Vienna, spa and fitness areas and a heated pool on the sun deck. The ship creates a truly exclusive five-star river cruise experience. The ship’s construction resembles that of Amadeus Riva and Amadeus Cara, both of which have generated high customer satisfaction.   For further information and reservations, call Amadeus River Cruises on 0800 035 6411 or visit www.amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk

Amadeus River Cruises has launched a five-day taster cruise aimed at first-time river cruisers. The ‘Finest Moments from Passau to Vienna’ Danube itinerary brings together historic on a trip through the heart of Old World Europe. Guests will explore the Imperial cities of Vienna and Regensburg as well as the UNESCO protected Austrian Wachau Valley. The cruise begins in Passau and calls in Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Emmersdorf and Durnstein before finishing in Vienna. There are seven departures in 2022 on 30 May; 10 and 18 June; and 1, 2, 8 and 11 July . Cruise fares start from £586 per person including all meals, onboard entertainment, complimentary use of bicycles and port taxes. Flights and rail travel as well as pre- or post-cruise stays can be arranged.  

Amadeus River Cruises has partnered with operator Harmony Voyages, for a series of exclusive music cruises on the Rhine and Danube. Renowned acts lined up include Fairport Convention, Paul Carrack and Richard Thompson. Guests get the opportunity to enjoy ‘up close and personal’ performances from the musicians. 14th June 2022 – an eight-day Rhine cruise features co-founder of Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson, acoustic four-piece Track Dogs and folk duo Broom Bezzums. The cruise from Basel to Amsterdam takes place on the 150-guest Amadeus Queen and sails from Strasbourg to Cologne. Prices from £2,249 per person. 21st June 2022 – an eight-day Rhine cruise with Fairport Convention which will include live performances of songs and stand-up comedy from band members. The cruise from Amsterdam to Basel takes place on the 150-guest Amadeus Queen. Prices from £2,149 per person. 9th July 2022 – an eight-day Danube cruise with folk rock band Oysterband, and singer and songwriter, Thea Gilmore. The cruise from Passau to Budapest takes place on the 160-guest Amadeus Cara and calls at Regensburg, Linz, Melk, Emmersdorf, Vienna and Bratislava. Prices from £1,849 per person. 16th July 2022 – an eight-day Danube cruise with co-founder of Fairport Convention,  Richard Thompson, Welsh singer-song writer Judith Owen and British folk band Show of Hands. The cruise from Budapest to Passau takes place on the 160-guest Amadeus Cara. Prices from £2,149 per person. 23rd July 2022 – an eight-day Danube cruise starring Paul Carrack, who has worked with Roxy Music, Squeeze and Mike + The Mechanics and will perform three after dinner concerts. The cruise from Passau to Budapest takes place on the 160-guest Amadeus Cara. Prices from £1,999 per person. Prices for the cruise include all meals; beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; seven nights of entertainment; use of onboard bicycles; port taxes; and return flights from the UK.

Amadeus River Cruises will introduce a brand new environmentally-friendly ship in May 2023. The 135-metre ship, called Amadeus Riva, will sail on the Danube and the Rhine as well as Dutch and Belgian waterways. From spring 2023,  Amadeus Riva will offer a choice of 12 suites with walk-out balconies and 68 exterior cabins across three decks. The newbuild will feature various outdoor and dining venues, wellness area with massage, hairdresser and fitness room,and a spacious sun deck.

  Fleet Grows with 5-star Ship   The name AMADEUS Cara, which originates from Latin and means “valuable” or “precious,” was chosen to emphasize the family business’s commitment to luxury river cruise ships.   “Our newest ship debuting in spring of 2022 will not only serve as much needed increased capacity for the great demand of our high quality river cruises, but also serves as a promise to our passengers that we will continue to offer one of the most modern fleets in the five-star segment,” says Marcus Leskovar, Executive Vice-President of AMADEUS River Cruises.   The appreciation for its passengers is expressed not only in its innovative design and exclusive premium fittings of the new ship, but also in the company’s perception of its passengers and products. “As a family business our most important role is to exceed the high expectations of our guests from the very first day of their cruise. When they are on board, they should feel as though they are a part of our big AMADEUS family,” explains Marcus Leskovar.   AMADEUS River Cruises, which relies on forty years of experience in shipbuilding, has one of the most modern fleets in Europe and is internationally known for its 5-star service.   More Personal Space & Amenities for Passengers   The new cruise ship offers a total of 72 spacious luxury cabins (17.5m/188 sq feet) and 10 AMADEUS suites (26.4m/284 sq feet). The cabins on the Mozart and Strauss decks of the AMADEUS Cara also feature a panoramic window which extends the entire breadth of the cabin and can be lowered. This design has been developed especially for AMADEUS ships. All cabins and suites have comfortable, spacious   bathrooms, infotainment systems, flat screen TVs, telephone, cabin-safe, mini-bar and air conditioning which can be individually regulated. The suites also offer outdoor balconies with a seating area. WiFi will be available throughout the vessel.