Emerging and developing economies[1] represented 38% of international arrivals in 2000, but by 2019 they were contributing 47% of global tourism flows. This growth was halted by COVID-19, with emerging economies, particularly China, suffering disproportionately as a result of the pandemic. However, signs are that in the future, emerging economies will continue to contribute strongly to international tourism growth. As such, young travellers from countries with emerging markets stand to influence the future of youth travel policy, product and marketing. This is an excerpt from WYSE Travel Confederation’s forthcoming publication, New Horizons 5: A global study of the youth and student traveller. -- Youth travellers from advanced economies take more...

Recent findings from Mastercard Economics Institute’s Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries Mastercard report and WYSE Travel Confederation’s New Horizons research provide valuable insights into global post-pandemic travel trends. The popularity of destinations like Japan, demand for meaningful and immersive experiences, strategic travel planning amidst cost increases and the economic impact of longer stays are among the trends observed by both global studies. Popular destinations According to the Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries report, Japan has emerged as the number one destination for summer 2024 travel, driven by its now fully open borders and favourable exchange rates. WYSE Travel Confederation’s New Horizons 5 survey found a renewed...