South African travellers to take more holidays in 2025
According to Marriott Bonvoy’s 2025 Ticket to Travel research on travel trends, the travel market is set to grow in 2025.
The study, conducted amongst 21 374 adults in 10 markets across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EMEA) and more than 2 000 travellers in South Africa, revealed that more than 60% of South Africans plan to take more holidays next year compared to 2024, with 18% maintaining their current travel frequency.
Surveyed South Africans are also planning an average of 2.7 domestic holidays, two short-haul holidays (four-hour flight or less), and 1.8 long-haul holidays in 2025.
This totals 6.5 holidays or trips, equating to more than one every two months. Among those planning holidays, the top travel destinations are South Africa (27%), USA (11%), Mozambique (10%), France (10%), and Mauritius (10%).
‘Bravecations’ and ‘heritage holidays’ arise as emerging travel trends
The research also highlighted several emerging travel trends. One notable trend is ‘bravecations,’ where travellers are more adventurous on holiday, trying activities they wouldn’t normally attempt at home.
An impressive 85% of South African travellers say they are braver on holiday, the highest among all markets surveyed. This trend is particularly strong among younger travellers, with 87% of 18–24-year-olds and 91% of 25–34-year-olds expressing a willingness to try new and exciting things.
Popular activities include climbing high structures (56%), participating in high-octane activities like zip-lining, skydiving or theme park rides (54%), and trying unusual foods (45%).
Another rising travel trend is ‘heritage holidays,’ where travellers explore their family’s heritage, history, or ancestry. Seventy-five percent of South Africans have taken or plan to take a heritage holiday soon.
This trend is more prevalent among younger generations, with 77% of 18–24-year-olds and 88% of 25–34-year-olds having taken a heritage holiday or plan to, compared to just 42% of those aged 65 and above.
Key motivations include the desire to understand where their family comes from and what their life was like (64%) and to see where their ancestors lived (53%).
Travel priorities for 2025
When it comes to choosing accommodation in 2025, the ‘brilliant basics’ remain key priorities with cleanliness (97%), location (96%), and customer service (96%) being the most important factors.
South African travellers are family orientated, preferring to holiday with their family or partner’s family and children (46%), above just their partner or spouse (36%), and friends (12%).
Only 5% prefer to travel alone. Additionally, ‘spending time with friends and family’ (63%) is the top priority for holidays, followed by ‘treating themselves’ (54%).
Over half (52%) say it is important they return feeling healthier than when they left, significantly higher than the EMEA average of 36%.
Savvy spending
Despite planning more holidays, South Africans are keen on getting the best value for their money. The main factor that would encourage travellers to book a holiday is ‘getting a special price’ (62%).
Shoulder season breaks – taking vacations during the months surrounding peak season – are another popular way to make holidays more affordable. Seven in ten (70%) have or have considered doing this, with the main reason being to get better value (56%). More than half of South African travellers (46%) also always consider exchange rates when planning holidays, but 14% say they ‘never usually do but will in 2025’.
Dorcas Dlamini Mbele, Area Commercial Director, Marriott International – Sub-Saharan Africa, said that they were witnessing a profound shift towards valuing experiences over material possessions among South African travellers.
“Trends like bravecations and heritage holidays are at the forefront, reflecting a desire for meaningful and enriching journeys. The integration of AI in travel planning and a strong focus on sustainability further enhance this forward-thinking approach. It’s an exciting era for the travel industry, and we’re eager to support South Africans as they embark on new adventures and create lasting memories both locally and globally.” Mbele said.
Do you plan on travelling in 2025?
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