According to global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky, travelers increasingly seek experiences that integrate their passions into the destination. Mass tourism focused solely on landmarks gives way to niche, personalized adventures like sustainable diving, astronomy tours, longevity retreats, sports tourism, and multigenerational trips.
Sustainable Diving on the Rise
SCUBA divers say Podolsky, now vets dive operators based on sustainability ratings. With climate change threatening coral ecosystems, eco-conscious divers look for reef-restoration programs to support. Industry leader PADI recently launched an Eco Center certification for operators with proven conservation practices. PADI aims to accredit 660 sustainable businesses by 2030, but only 11 qualified initially. That number has since grown to over 100 across regions like Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. Eco Centers offer volunteer activities from coral replanting to whale census data collection. PADI also provides roaming diver courses on conducting global shark and ray population surveys.
Astronomical Events Spark Travel
Astronomy tourism capitalizes on celestial events that inspire wonder, like meteor showers, eclipses, and auroras. For example, the Northern Lights will shine exceptionally bright in 2024, while scientists predict quality meteor showers and perhaps an eclipse—accommodations catering to stargazing range from African campsites and tented glamping to workshops at pollution-free resorts worldwide. Major happenings like once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipses can attract a flood of event-driven travelers.
Longevity Retreats Gain Traction
On the wellness front, Podolsky notes growing demand for preventative health services after the pandemic prompted self-reflection on mortality. Venture investments in longevity clinics doubled from 2021 to 2022 as interest expands globally. Some luxury hotels now offer longevity therapies like oxygen chambers, ozone treatment, infrared mats, and more. Specialized retreats in peaceful natural settings provide health assessments, cooking classes, gentle exercises like yoga, relaxing spa treatments, stress management, and education on extending healthy lifespans.
Sporting Events Draw Travelers
Watching beloved sports teams encourages camaraderie and adrenaline among fans, and major competitions like the Olympics captivate worldwide audiences. In 2024, Paris will host the Summer Games and the Paralympics, expected to attract over one million tourists. That same year, the Tour de France started in Italy for the first time. International cycling tours commemorate the occasion with new bike routes celebrating the sport. As events gain international fame, superfans increasingly travel to multiple destinations to catch every game.
Skip-Generation Trips Gain Popularity
Podolsky cites the increasing popularity of “skip-generation vacations,” where grandparents treat their grandkids to trips without the kids’ parents. Ideal for active seniors, these meaningful experiences run the gamut from cruises to safaris to historical tours. The trend permeates the American luxury market and recently surfaced in the UK. Motives range from sharing beloved destinations to checking off “bucket list” items with a younger companion. Podolsky stresses the importance of aligning expectations beforehand when planning multigenerational trips.
Consult Travel Specialists on Innovative Trends
Since these emerging experiences hover below the mass-market radar, Podolsky advises working with travel professionals who are finely attuned to the latest industry developments. Rather than relying on search engines, leverage an advisor’s insider perspective to uncover hidden gems matching your passions and preferences.
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