#Aiintravel

A subtle but powerful shift in summer 2025 travel preferences shows American tourists opting for authentic, local experiences over crowded icons across Europe. Travel-data analysis indicates a post-pandemic desire for cultural immersion, better value, and meaningful community engagement that Thai travelers can mirror on their European adventures.

HomeToGo analyzed over twenty million vacation rental searches yearly and found American interest surging toward traditional European destinations that once hid in the shadows of fame. The pattern reveals a move away from postcard-ready landmarks toward places where local life and genuine culture shape the travel story. Data suggests this is a lasting change, not a brief spike.

Leisure travel is set to become a $15 trillion powerhouse by 2040, according to a landmark study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), signaling an era of unprecedented opportunity—and challenge—for airlines, hotels, and tour operators worldwide. The report forecasts that the sector will triple in value from $5 trillion in 2024, driven by shifting demographics, fresh travel motivations, and groundbreaking use of digital technology in planning and experiences. These profound shifts carry particularly significant ramifications for Thailand, an established tourism hub in Asia primed to benefit—and compete—in this new global travel order.

Leisure travel is projected to reach $15 trillion by 2040, a shift outlined in a landmark Boston Consulting Group study. The analysis says the sector will triple in value from about $5 trillion in 2024, driven by rising affluence, evolving traveler motivations, and smarter digital planning. For Thailand, a regional tourism hub, this shift presents opportunities and new competitive pressures that require bold, tech-enabled strategies.

Thailand’s tourism has long fueled the economy, contributing a sizable share of GDP before the pandemic. Now, with domestic and regional travel expanding, Thai operators must rethink offerings beyond traditional beach getaways. Increasingly, travelers seek curated, purpose-driven experiences—wellness, culinary immersion, eco-tourism, and culture—while technology reshapes every step from inspiration to booking.