Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites has shared its forecast travel trends for 2025, based upon an analysis of guest data across its network of over 60 hotels in both bustling cities and scenic coastal destinations from Brisbane to Broome, Gladstone to Glenelg, Sydney to the Sunshine Coast.
“Looking at the travel landscape for 2025, we’re seeing travellers placing increasing value on apartment-style accommodation that delivers excellent value for money and a ‘home away from home’ with spacious living areas, separate bedrooms, kitchens and in-room coffee machines. This is especially the case for families, friend groups and multigenerational travellers,” said Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Australasia.
“Shoulder and off-peak travel or mid-week escapes are also likely to be popular, and with collecting ‘experiences’ a major travel motivator for Australians and New Zealanders, we expect to see continued growth in travel for major sports events and concerts in 2025.”
Shorter Booking Windows and Quick Getaways
Travellers are swapping longer booking windows for more last-minute stays, with bookings for travel within the next month rising over the past 12 months. The average booking window for leisure stays is currently 45 days – around six weeks – with business bookings typically locked in a month ahead. Destinations with the longest booking lead times include Auckland, Broome and Port Douglas so guests keen to include these popular picks on their 2025 holiday calendar should book early to secure a spot.
Weekend getaways and short breaks are proving particularly popular with 2.6 days the average stay length for leisure travellers, compared to business travellers who typically stay for 3.1 days per trip.
Families Prefer Apartment-Style Accommodation
The rise in family and group travel, including multigenerational stays, continues to shape accommodation preferences, with Oaks’ larger room types often booked well in advance, particularly during peak travel periods. In fact, four-bedroom apartments typically sell out first, followed by three-bedroom suites.
Everyone Loves an Event
In 2025, event travel is set to become a prominent trend across Australia and New Zealand, as more travellers plan trips around key festivals, sports events, and cultural gatherings. From major sporting events such as the Australian Open or the Formula One Grand Prix to the vibrance of Vivid Sydney or cultural delights of the Adelaide Fringe Festival, travellers are keen to combine destination appeal with memorable events.
Mid-Week and Off-Peak
Travelling mid-week and during shoulder season will continue to be a travel trend in 2025, as Australians take advantage of enhanced availability, competitive pricing, off-peak seasonal deals and fewer tourists at major attractions, with mid-week travel particularly popular for those keen to avoid the hustle and bustle of weekend visitors.
Aussies Love a Deal
With travel considered almost non-negotiable for most Australians and 43% planning to travel even more in 2025, despite the rising cost of living, the appeal of seasonal deals and special offers has never been stronger and Oaks advises those looking to get the best value for their holiday spend to keep an eagle eye out for discounts and deals – and to book quickly to secure their stay.
Destination Trends
According to Oaks, the top destinations overall for 2024 were: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Glenelg, Perth, Broome, the Sunshine Coast, Port Stephens, and the Hunter Valley.
Oaks’ data indicates that broadly speaking we’re a nation of city slickers with the lure of events, restaurants and nightlife attracting travellers to properties in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane – Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel, Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites, and Oaks Brisbane on Charlotte Suites are among the most popular picks.
During peak summer school holiday periods, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and the Gold Coast are among the most popular destinations, whilst those looking for a more relaxed beachfront vibe are flocking to the recently refurbished Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort, which invites guests to dip into one of the southern hemisphere’s largest swimming pools. Nelson Bay and Glenelg are also high on the travel wish list during the Christmas break, which ties in with broader travel trends towards ‘detour destinations’ or those less discovered, less crowded holiday hotspots which offer a more laidback, old-school ambience combined with beautiful beaches.
During the winter months, Darwin is trending as one of the most sought-after spots to escape the winter blues down south – Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel is in the heart of the action – with travellers increasingly keen to discover the tropical delights of the Top End, including the August Darwin Festival. Other winter favourites include Broome, Auckland and Townsville.
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