Tourism Marketing Trends to Watch in 2025
As the global travel industry continues to rebound and evolve in 2025, even city and state tourism marketers are embracing new tools, tactics, and traveler expectations to stay competitive and relevant. From AI-driven personalization to sustainability storytelling, this year’s trends reflect a blend of cutting-edge technology and values-driven messaging. Here’s a look at the key tourism marketing trends shaping 2025.
Hyper-Personalized Experiences with AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved beyond chatbots and predictive pricing—it’s now central to personalizing the travel experience. Travel brands are using AI to analyze user data and deliver tailored recommendations for destinations, accommodations, and activities. Email campaigns, website content, and mobile apps are adapting in real-time based on traveler behavior and preferences. This level of personalization helps increase engagement, conversion, and long-term loyalty.
Immersive Content with AR and VR
Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR and VR) are taking center stage in destination marketing. Virtual tours of cities, resorts, and attractions allow travelers to “try before they fly.” Museums and heritage sites are also creating immersive AV/VR experiences to enhance in-person visits. These technologies help reduce uncertainty, especially for international or high-cost travel decisions, and offer a powerful way to stand out in a crowded market.
Sustainability as a Core Mesage
Eco-conscious travel continues to grow, with more travelers seeking brands that align with their values. In 2025, sustainability messaging is not a trend—it’s a requirement. Tourism marketers are highlighting local partnerships, low-impact travel options, carbon-offset programs, and community-driven tourism. Authenticity is key: travelers can quickly spot greenwashing, so transparency and measurable impact matter more than ever.
Social Media Goes Micro and Visual
The dominance of TikTok and Instagram Reels continues, but the way marketers use these platforms is evolving. Micro-influencers with niche followings are outperforming mega-stars in driving engagement and bookings. Short-form, visually rich storytelling—especially user-generated content—remains a powerful way to build trust and inspire wanderlust. Geo-targeted content, real-time interaction, and behind-the-scenes videos are helping destinations create deeper connections with their audiences. Sprinkle a bit of whimsy and you are destined to drive more people to your destination!
Voice Search and Smart Travel Planning
With the rise of smart speakers and voice assistants, optimizing for voice search is becoming critical in tourism marketing. Travelers are asking Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant for “best places to stay in Asheville” or “family-friendly things to do in California.” Marketers are focusing on conversational content, FAQs, and structured data to improve their visibility in voice-based search results.
Wellness and Slow Travel on the Rise
Post-pandemic, travelers continue to seek trips that rejuvenate rather than exhaust. Wellness travel—spanning spa getaways, nature retreats, and digital detoxes—is booming. At the same time, “slow travel” is gaining traction, encouraging longer stays, local experiences, and mindful exploration. Tourism brands are crafting marketing messages around mental health, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Dynamic Pricing and Real-Time Offers
Thanks to advanced data analytics, dynamic pricing is being used more strategically in 2025. Tourism marketers are offering real-time deals based on demand trends, user activity, and inventory levels. Paired with location-based push notifications and mobile-first campaigns, these strategies help convert interest into bookings at the right moment.
Final Thoughts
The tourism marketing landscape in 2025 is all about merging innovation with authenticity and unique differentiators. Travelers are more tech-savvy, value-driven, and experience-oriented than ever before. To thrive, tourism marketers must deliver personalized, transparent, and immersive campaigns that resonate emotionally and inspire action.
By keeping pace with these trends and staying attuned to traveler needs, brands can foster loyalty, drive growth, and help shape the future of travel. If your city or municipality is looking for ways to attract new, loyal visitors, talk to CreateHealth Government Services about how we utilize tailored marketing strategy to draw people to your destination.
