If anything, positive came out of the pandemic for the cruise industry, it may be the acceleration of innovative ideas and technological enhancements by cruise lines. The major players deftly utilized the unintended downtime to implement technology that leapfrogged several years to meet the demands of both government bodies, and their core customer base. While innovation was in full swing on many ships pre-pandemic, the industry is increasingly advancing technology in several avenues. Optimistically, it is possible to say that the best is yet to come.This analysis features a dive into the cruise segment’s recent and more notable technical developments. Topics covered include:Changes to the booking process, including new tools and capabilities Updates and upgrades to the passenger onboarding experience Progress in the sustainability arena, featuring cruise-specific initiatives Projections for what lies ahead, with newly implemented technology and beyond

Analyst: Marilyn MacallairTopic: Technology InnovationSegment: CruiseRegions: Asia Pacific, Europe, U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Article

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Travel is alive and buzzing in the social media ecosystem. Users, brands and influencers are all sharing, guiding and inspiring through the whole arc of the trip experience. Yet a wide range of opportunities remain untapped, as consumers’ engagement with travel content on social platforms differs from, and still lags other industries. This article addresses the following key topics:Overview of social media utilization for travel and trip planning Analysis of social media platform choice/preference by age Discussion of influencers’ value in travel marketing Highlights of missed and potential opportunities for social travel marketersThis article is derived from the findings of Phocuswright’s U.S. Consumer Travel 2022 survey and explores who is using social for travel, what platforms they’re on, and the role social media plays in their travel practices.

Analyst: Madeline ListTopics: Social & Search, Consumer Trends, Destination & Activities Marketing, Mobile, Technology InnovationSegments: Air, Hotels & Lodging, Online Travel AgenciesRegion: U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Article

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The France travel market burst into recovery mode in 2021 and continued the trend into 2022. High prices and steady demand contributed to the 42% year-over-year growth rate. Nevertheless, economic and political problems – mirroring those seen throughout Europe – will pose challenges that ultimately temper growth. Still, due in part to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the France travel market is projected to exceed pre-pandemic gross bookings that year. With growing digitization, online bookings will precede the overall market recovery, besting 2019 in 2023. Following the Games, gross bookings will decline slightly, with positive growth returning in 2026.

Analysts: Peter O'Connor, Karen BurkaTopic: Market Overview & SizingSegments: Air, Car Rental & Ground Transportation, Hotels & Lodging, Online Travel Agencies, Rail, Tours & PackagesRegion: EuropeResearch Type: Report

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The Eastern European travel market includes several key country markets: Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Czechia (a.k.a. Czech Republic), Greece, Hungary, Romania and the Baltic Region. This report provides market sizing, projections and key segment analysis for the Eastern Europe travel industry through 2026. 

Analysts: Krassi Simonski, Karen BurkaTopic: Market Overview & SizingSegments: Air, Car Rental & Ground Transportation, Hotels & Lodging, Online Travel Agencies, Rail, Tours & Packages, Traditional Agencies & TMCsRegion: EuropeResearch Type: Report

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The U.S. hotel & lodging market did not just recover in 2022, it prospered. High demand lifted average daily rates (ADR) and occupancy, leading to a record-breaking year as room revenue swept past pre-pandemic highs. The segment exhibited a healthy 33% year-over-year growth in gross bookings and surpassed 2019 totals handily. Nevertheless, staffing issues and economic concerns continue plaguing the sector, and will pose further challenges in the short-to-medium term.

Analyst: Lorraine SileoTopic: Market Overview & SizingSegment: Hotels & LodgingRegion: U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Report

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The U.K. continued its post-COVID recovery in 2022, with the reopening of international borders. The market exhibited phenomenal 127% year-over-year growth, due in tandem to a travel-hungry populace and inflation-fueled price surges. While gross bookings spiked, the number of travelers still lags, in part due to economic pressures. Featuring the second-highest online penetration globally, the country’s online gross bookings were at their highest proportion to date, and are expected to beat pre-pandemic totals in 2023. Meanwhile, the broader market will take until 2025 to surpass its earlier high. Through the remainder of the forecast period, growth will normalize as economic uncertainty may inhibit consumer purchasing power and the ability of suppliers and intermediaries to effectively execute their growth plans.

Analysts: Dirk Rogl, Cathy WalshTopic: Market Overview & SizingSegments: Air, Car Rental & Ground Transportation, Hotels & Lodging, Online Travel Agencies, Rail, Tours & PackagesRegion: EuropeResearch Type: Report

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The packaged travel segment grew 29% in 2022, from $11.3 billion to $14.5 billion, continuing its recovery. The return of complex trips (and therefore, travel advisors) contributed to offline channel share rebounding more quickly. Higher trip spend and the reopening of international markets have driven the positive change, but challenges remain, largely in the form of economic and supply chain uncertainty. The segment’s growth will taper and stabilize through the forecast period, reflecting the broader market’s recovery pattern.

Analyst: Michael ColettaTopic: Market Overview & SizingSegments: Tours & Packages, Traditional Agencies & TMCsRegion: U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Report

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It was a mixed recovery year for German travelers, and in turn for the Germany travel market. While 2022 featured 85% year-over-year growth and the elimination of travel restrictions, Germans felt considerable price pressure, largely driven by inflated utility costs stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite significant growth in several segments, full recovery is not expected until 2026. In light of the ubiquity of smartphone usage, online penetration and recovery precede that of the overall market, with 2022 online totals having matched 2019. Growth will be more measured throughout the remainder of the forecast period as the German market continues seeking broader economic stabilization.

Analysts: Ralph Merten, Cathy WalshTopic: Market Overview & SizingSegments: Air, Car Rental & Ground Transportation, Hotels & Lodging, Online Travel Agencies, Rail, Tours & PackagesRegion: EuropeResearch Type: Report

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Following a long buildup-and-hype period, 2023 is proving to be a pivotal year for Web3: These decentralized technologies are now delivering concrete, measurable value to the travel industry. Over the past several years, a diverse set of new Web3 companies have emerged, and many are already driving change in the travel space. Startups continue emerging, providing travelers with new capabilities and flexibilities while impacting overall cost of distribution and settlement for industry players.Part of a content series that explores some of the most significant technology-driven trends that will influence travel distribution in 2023 and beyond, this article highlights 17 companies that are implementing Web3 technology, and focuses on:How these organizations are leveraging Web3Description of the specific value-add being provided to the travel industryAssessment of current progress, achievements and challengesOutlook for 2023 and beyond 

Analyst: Norm RoseTopics: Technology Innovation, Business TravelSegments: Air, Car Rental & Ground Transportation, Hotels & Lodging, Online Travel AgenciesRegions: Asia Pacific, Europe, U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Article

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By all available metrics, the U.S. car rental market exceeded expectations in 2022. Despite inventory, staffing and microchip shortages, the segment grew by 24% year-over-year. Daily rates rose to new highs, but given current supply chain constraints and lack of economic relief, the segment anticipates steady, tepid growth moving forward.

Analysts: Michael Coletta, Madeline ListTopic: Market Overview & SizingSegment: Car Rental & Ground TransportationRegion: U.S. & CanadaResearch Type: Report

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