Global travel sector grows despite headwinds

The global travel sector is growing despite higher prices and other headwinds, with tourism spending rising alongside demand for trips. Tourism Economics’ David Goodger says travellers continue to prioritise luxury experiences, suggesting that many still make room in their budgets for travel.

A little over half of the increase in spending is due to inflation. More travellers are using chatbots to plan itineraries, but only a third trust AI agents to make bookings; Goodger says human service remains important. He also expects visitors to return to Paris and other French cities after protests, noting that travel recovery times have halved in recent years.