Traveler insights Q1 2024: Top destinations and event trends from Expedia

04.03.2024 - 07:50 / traveldailynews.com / Theodore Koumelis

Expedia Group’s Q3 2023 data indicated that traveler confidence remained high as people continued to travel for events and planned short- and long-term trips.

Expedia‘s traveler insights for Q1 2024 uncover the most recent traveler behavior based on our first-party data from Q4 2023.

The latest data from the final quarter of 2023 reveals a significant uptick in international travel interest, particularly in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, alongside heightened enthusiasm for Paris as a prime destination in anticipation of major sporting events. These insights not only reflect evolving travel preferences but also offer valuable cues for travel and hospitality professionals to refine their marketing strategies effectively.

As the year unfolded, a notable trend emerged with travelers increasingly planning their journeys well in advance. The data indicates a substantial quarter-over-quarter (QOQ) surge in searches for trips planned 180 days ahead or more. This trend was observed globally, with a more than 15% increase, and nearly 20% for domestic searches, signaling a shift towards mid-year travel planning. This forward-looking behavior was most pronounced in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), where searches expanded by over 70%, and in North America (NORAM), which saw a 10% increase.

In the latest travel trends report, the spotlight is on Paris as a premier destination for summer 2024 travel. Data from the fourth quarter of 2023 indicates a surge in interest for the French capital, with searches for trips in July and August rising by over 20%. This uptick is particularly notable for the period between July 26 and August 11, 2024, where there’s been a significant year-over-year increase in the anticipated length of stay by travelers from North America and Latin America, nearing 25%. Such statistics suggest a growing trend among international visitors to extend their Parisian vacations, presenting a valuable window for local hospitality and tourism sectors to capitalize on this increased footfall.

Furthermore, the Expedia Group’s Unpack ‘24 report highlights a burgeoning trend in live music tourism. Following a record-setting year in 2023, 2024 is anticipated to witness a continuation of this trend, with nearly 70% of travelers expressing an increased likelihood of attending concerts outside their hometown. This evolving dynamic underscores the importance for destinations and businesses to integrate cultural and entertainment elements into their marketing strategies, catering to the diverse interests of global travelers.

As the travel industry continues to rebound from the pandemic’s impact, recent data from the fourth quarter of 2023 highlights a significant resurgence in interest towards the