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In a preview of the year to come, Booking.com has recently revealed its latest research, uncovering nine travel predictions that will shape how Kiwis explore the world in 2025.
With insights gathered from1,000 Kiwi travellers, the report paints a picture of the way in which Kiwi travellers want to travel, from dark-sky stargazing to tech-driven exploration.
Noctourism
One of these trends is Noctourism where starry skies are calling, and Kiwis are listening. Booking.com’s data reveals that 64% of Kiwi travellers from their report are considering trips to dark sky reserves, while 75% are drawn to the allure of “starbathing.”
Melissa Ellison, area manager for Booking.com says “I think Noctourism is definitely a cool trend for New Zealand given that there’s so many destinations like Kaikoura, and they have different kinds of holiday homes or cottages that do dark sky destinations, and they have glass ceilings, which makes it really easy to do the stargazing. This is the most popular experience that we’ve seen for people who are wanting to do the Noctourism.”
AI Alternative Itineraries
Technology is also guiding Kiwi travellers off the beaten path. With sixty-eight percent of Kiwi travellers included in the report that plan to use AI to uncover lesser-known destinations, and Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner is at the forefront.
Melissa says “AI is something that’s becoming a little bit more the norm. This year we watched our AI Trip Planner, and there’s been an explosion of interest in AI across every industry and how every industry is going to adapt it and make it easier, so AI think it’s becoming a bit more of the norm, and it’s here to stay.”
Boys II Zen: Men’s Well-Being.
In a step away from stereotypical “lads’ trips” the trend of ‘Boys II Zen’ is an evolution into wellness-focused male getaways. In their report, Booking.com reveal nearly half (48%) of Kiwis encourage men in their lives to embark on these transformative journeys.
Melissa says “I think(Boys II Zen) is a really positive trend. We need to again be talking about men’s mental health, and we are seeing a cultural shift where it is becoming more normal to talk about these issues, and I think that’s also really important to mention, is that it doesn’t mean a boozy weekend away. You could be going to Whakapapa or Fox Glacier to do hiking in the mountains for you could be going to the Coromandel and the beach in a holiday home and chill out. But, what we’re finding is that yet it’s not necessarily just about hiding (away) it’s really about the deeper connections and male bonding time. “
Neuroinclusive Navigation
Neurodivergent travellers are also finally seeing their needs addressed.
Melissa says “In terms of neurodivergent travel, I mentioned it’s the first time that we’ve seen it in our travel trends report, and we found that one third of the Kiwi travellers who are trying to experience the world and consider themselves to be neurodivergent, they’ve actually had issues and challenges in doing so, and they find it a little bit harder to find accommodation or options because they are a little bit more limited. So I think it’s brave that we’ve highlighted this in our trends, because I think its the first step in order to gain awareness and the more that we talk about it and normalise it, it will then help the industry as well as our accommodation partners and be more mindful when they have neurodivergent travellers visiting them.”
“Inclusion travel is very much important to Booking.com. They’re really committed to ensuring that it makes it easier for everyone to experience the world. That’s our mission, and that really comes around with inclusive travel.
We’ve also got a travel proud program. Which is making it easier for our rainbow community to travel. Our also looking at accessibility as part of inclusive travel and now Neurodivergent travel as well. I think it’s a positive trend to make sure we’re raising awareness.” says Melissa.
Coromandel Insights.
In addition to the predictions, Booking.com also revealed the top trending domestic destinations in New Zealand, with the Coromandel still stealing the spotlight by claiming five spots on the list.
Simon Clark, regional PR and communications manager says “The Coromandel did suffer a year ago (with the flooding) and in terms of visitation, and so I think what these booking numbers are showing is there a real resurgence and not only local travellers reembracing the Coromandel, but also international visitors as well.”
Read the full list of Booking.com Travel Predictions for 2025 here
