The first quarter of 2025 has been a dynamic period for the global travel and events industry. The latest newsletter from GlobauxSource provides a comprehensive overview of the key trends and developments shaping the landscape. From significant growth in the hotel sector to major shifts in the aviation industry, here are the key takeaways that should be on every industry professional’s radar.
Hotel Industry on the Rise
The U.S. hotel industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth. In 2024, the top 50 markets saw the addition of 675 new projects, translating to over 95,000 new rooms. This expansion is set to continue, with nearly two-thirds of major markets announcing at least ten new projects. Starwood Hotels, rebranded from SH Hotels & Resorts, is a major player in this growth, with over 40 properties across three brands and four continents, and upcoming expansions in key global cities like Tokyo, Melbourne, and Copenhagen. Marriott is also making significant strides, introducing its affordable midscale brand, City Express, to the U.S. and planning for more than a dozen new properties across the U.S. and Canada in 2025.
The Future of Air Travel
The aviation sector is undergoing significant transformations. In a notable move, Southwest Airlines will be ending its long-standing free checked bags policy, a change that will take effect on May 28, 2025. Concessions will be made for business card holders and Rapid Rewards A-List status flyers. Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is restructuring its operations. On a more positive note for travelers, Frontier Airlines is offering a free checked bag on select flights this summer as part of its economy bundle.
A More Seamless Journey
Efforts are underway to create a more streamlined and secure travel experience. The European Union’s long-delayed electronic border control system, the Entry-Exit System (EES), is now expected to be implemented in October 2025, with a phased rollout across 29 countries in the Schengen Zone. In the U.S., a new One-Stop Security pilot program is being tested at select airports, which will allow passengers to skip the process of rechecking their bags and going through security again when they have a connecting flight. Additionally, Clear’s facial recognition technology is being rolled out at a rapid pace, with the company’s EnVe pods now operational in 40 of 59 airports.
Industry Consolidation and Collaboration
The meetings and events industry is also seeing significant consolidation. 360 Destination Group and CSI DMC have announced a merger, creating a combined entity with $200 million in revenue and operations in 46 destinations. This move is expected to create a more comprehensive and streamlined service for clients.
A Focus on People and Planet
The newsletter also highlights the importance of people and the planet. With women making up 54-58% of the global travel and tourism workforce, the industry is putting a greater emphasis on gender equality. The theme for National Women’s Month, “Moving Forward Together,” reflects this commitment. GlobauxSource, a woman-owned business, is a strong advocate for women in the industry, sponsoring the Women IN Leadership podcast. The newsletter also draws attention to the importance of sustainability, referencing the IMEX Sustainable Event Report for Frankfurt 2024.
This summary provides a glimpse into the key developments shaping the travel and events industry. For more detailed information, be sure to read the full GlobauxSource Q1 2025 newsletter.