In Brief: Trip.com Group reported a 40% year-on-year increase in gross merchandise value (GMV) for active travel bookings, with significant growth in both Asian and European markets, reflecting a global rise in sportcation and active travel experiences.
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Sportcation Trend Drives Double-Digit Growth in Travel Booking GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) – Image Credit Unsplash+
Trip.com Group has observed a notable increase in active travel, also referred to as “sportcations,” with a 40% rise in booking GMV over the past year. This trend encompasses activities such as cycling, diving, wellness retreats, and other sports-related experiences. The company’s data indicates that searches for active sports experiences have grown by over 30% year on year globally.
Regional data shows significant increases in searches for active travel experiences: Singapore recorded an 80% rise, Malaysia 65%, and the United Kingdom 50%. France, Italy, Germany, and Spain all experienced triple-digit growth in this category.
Market-Specific Booking Increases
Growth in active travel bookings is reflected across several markets. South Korea saw a 150% increase in bookings, Singapore 104%, and Thailand 200%. In Europe, the United Kingdom experienced a booking increase of over 100%, while Germany reported a rise of more than 600%. These figures indicate a growing preference among travelers for holidays centered on physical activities and sports experiences.
Popular Active Experiences by Region
Globally, diving is the most-booked sporting experience, followed by ziplining, paragliding, skydiving, and cycling. Regional preferences vary:
– In Asia, adventure activities are particularly popular.
– Diving leads in bookings in South Korea, Malaysia, Germany, Spain, Italy, and France.
– Skydiving is the top choice in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand.
– Japanese travelers show the highest preference for cycling.
Leading Destinations for Active Travel
Certain destinations have emerged as top choices for active travelers. Thailand, China, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia are among the leading destinations across multiple types of active travel, including cycling, climbing, swimming, water sports, and adventure experiences. Thailand is the leading destination for diving and also ranks highly for cycling, water sports, and adventure activities. Australia attracts travelers for cycling, rock climbing, surfing, kayaking, paragliding, and skydiving.
Travel Group Sizes and Regional Differences
Travel group sizes differ by region. In Europe, the average travel party consists of one to two people, indicating a prevalence of solo or partner travel. In the Asia-Pacific region, the average group size is two to three people, suggesting a preference for traveling with friends or family.
Online Engagement and Community Sharing
Active travel experiences are increasingly being shared online. Posts related to active travel on Trip.com Group’s Trip.Moments platform have nearly doubled globally, with a 99% year-on-year increase. Markets with significant growth in community sharing include Spain (224.9%), the United Kingdom (122.2%), Italy (118.9%), China (96.2%), and France (86.9%).
The number of comments on active travel posts has grown twelvefold compared to the previous year, indicating increased engagement and discussion among travelers. Topics discussed include destination tips, training advice, and first-hand recommendations, contributing to a cycle of inspiration and booking among the travel community.
Conclusion
The data from Trip.com Group highlights a shift in travel preferences, with more travelers seeking active and sports-related experiences. The trend is evident across multiple regions, with significant growth in both bookings and online engagement. Destinations offering a variety of active experiences are attracting more visitors, and the way travelers share and discuss their experiences online is contributing to the continued growth of the sportcation trend.