Welcome to our final newsletter of the year! With the holiday season in full swing, let’s explore what’s trending in tourism retail this December.

Thank You For Making IGES 2024 A Success!

Before we jump into what’s happening in travel and tourism this month, we wanted to thank all of you for making IGES so successful. This year, we launched a successful IGES Connect (desktop + mobile app) to help attendees and vendors connect and find one another better, we gave away $25,000 in cash + other IGES Branded prizes, we celebrated our 25 year anniversary, welcomed 525+ vendors (of which 120+ were NEW), and hosted the annual ZAG meeting with a luncheon. We wholeheartedly appreciate all of you that make IGES what it is. We wish you good health and happiness in the  New Year. 

Top Travel Trends for Winter 2024/25

Solo Travel is the Ultimate Holiday Escape: Solo travel continues to rise, with 16% of travelers vacationing alone in the past year, up from 11% previously. This trend is particularly notable among the 35-44 age group. 

Futuristic Travel Visions: By 2054, holidays may feature artificial mountain beaches and zero airport queues, with a focus on tech-free experiences to enhance human connection. 

Domestic Exploration: Americans are prioritizing domestic travel, with road trips being the most popular form in 2024, as 40% prefer driving to their destinations. 

🛍️ Merch Magic: Display Trends That Convert

Festive Minimalism: The Spruce is advocating for elegant displays featuring winter whites and natural elements like pinecones create a sophisticated holiday atmosphere.

Holiday Upcycling: According to The Crazy Craft Lady, eco-conscious consumers are embracing upcycled holiday décor, such as wreaths made from recycled materials.

Interactive Gifting Displays: According to Shopify, retailers want to showcase products that offer interactive experiences, like build-your-own gift sets, to engage customers.

🤝 Customer Connection Corner

The Power of Storytelling: Sharing narratives about how products make meaningful gifts can enhance customer engagement.

Holiday AR Filters: Utilizing augmented reality filters with festive themes can boost interaction on social media platforms.

💡 Bright Ideas: Product Spotlight

Local Holiday Crafts: Better Homes and Gardens and Etsy break down 2024 holiday gifting trends, they recommend collaborating with regional artisans to offer exclusive holiday-themed merchandise for customers seeking unique gifts.

Making Black Friday More Sustainable: Vogue Business discusses sustainable practices during the holiday season, such as using reusable packaging to reduce waste, aligning with consumer demand for eco-friendly options..

🎢 Attraction Action

Holiday Light Installations: The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s annual “Lightscape” event features over a million lights and new installations, offering visitors a magical nighttime experience during the holiday season.

Seasonal Pop-Ups: The Gibbes Museum‘s annual Holiday Market brings together antiques, vintage finds, and unique sweets, creating a festive atmosphere for holiday shoppers.

🌿 Sustainable Scene

Upcycled Chic: Growing consumer interest in sustainable products, including goods and decor made from recycled materials, shows steady revenue by offering eco-friendly choices in 2025.

Zero-Waste Holiday Dining: Retailers are providing products to help consumers reduce waste during holiday feasts, including compostable serving ware.

🔮 The Future of Travel: 2040 Insights

30 years ago, people wanted a bed, that’s radically shifting. Google’s latest report envisions a transformative future for travel by 2040. Key trends include hyper-personalization powered by AI, immersive travel experiences through AR and VR, and a growing demand for sustainability. Travelers will seek predictive tools that offer tailored recommendations, while the integration of green technologies and eco-tourism will redefine the industry. The focus is on creating meaningful, tech-driven yet environmentally responsible travel experiences.

👋 Parting Thoughts

As we conclude the year, we’re excited about the trends shaping 2025. If you have insights or tips for the new year, please share them—we’d love to feature your ideas!

Planning for the new year? Don’t miss out on sourcing opportunities. Register now for IGES 2025 in Tennessee!