How will travellers behave in 2033?
As an estimated 474 million tourists travelled internationally between January and July 2022 compared to 175 million in 2021, international tourism continues to bounce back.
But how will people travel in 2033? A global research study – Traveler Tribes 2033 – the third in a series that launched in 2007, identifies four traveller tribes that will develop in the next 10 years. It does so by examining the future forces of change transforming travel, alongside emerging traveller traits, behaviours and preferences, to understand exactly what it is that travellers will want a decade from now.
It suggests many travellers will be open to new and emerging technologies and will want to travel in more sustainable ways. But with some travellers concerned about the proliferation of technology and the increasing need for cyber-security and data privacy, the industry must work together to ensure all travellers benefit from technological advances.
“The travel landscape in markets across the Asia Pacific is incredibly diverse,” Karun Budhraja, SVP, travel unit marketing, APAC, Amadeus.
Karun Budhraja
“As the travel industry renews, the traveller tribes report maps out what matters most to travellers in APAC; be it sustainable travel or emerging technologies, their behaviours and the values they seek in travel will shape the industry in 2033 and beyond.”
Moving beyond the limitations of traditional segmentation, this psychographic approach identifies four key traveller tribes likely to be dominant in 2033:
- Excited Experientialists – Only 25 per cent of Australians belong to this group and have a ‘try it and see’ approach to life and travel. Globally, 44 per cent are without children and have a mid- to high-income job with flexible working options, which enables them to readily explore the world. They have a you only live once (YOLO) approach. They are more likely than other travellers to act on instinct, making them 2033s ‘anti-planners’, favouring less predictable and more exciting accommodation experiences. They are also open to technology that helps them ‘speed up’ certain aspects of their journey, with many expecting to use artificial intelligence (AI) in the airport environment.
- Memory Makers – Close to half of Australians (45%) are found to be in this group that takes a more simplified approach to travel: to make memories and visit places. Globally, 44 per cent are aged 42 and over and are habitual in their travel behaviours. The future can be a daunting prospect for them. They put people first and place less value on technology and sustainability, reassured by existing methods. However, despite their scepticism about technology, they are excited about virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) preview tours with the majority expected to use VR tours before purchasing a trip.
- Travel Tech-fluencers – Interestingly, only 3 per cent of Australians are identified to be in this group that includes today’s young business travellers with a forward-looking perspective on life. Globally, 48 per cent of the group are under the age of 32 and their perspective is symbolised by how much technology they own. However, there is a discord when it comes to what excites and concerns them around the future of technology and travel. While many want to travel sustainably, it seems they are more conscious about sustainability options around their method of travel, rather than where they’ll be staying.
- Pioneering Pathfinders – 27 per cent of Australians are discovered to be in this traveller tribe with individuals of this group living a fast-paced life, always looking for their next adventure. Globally, their life is in full swing with 82 per cent between the ages of 23 and 41. They like to plan but are not afraid of risk and are open to new experiences. This group is more willing than others to let sustainability influence their decisions. They will also be very comfortable using all forms of alternative payment methods in 2033, whether via cryptocurrency or within a virtual reality environment.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
amadeus Karun Budhraja Traveler Tribes 2033Latest News
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]