2024 Travel App Trends and Retargeting Tips

The travel industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by new trends that are reshaping how people plan, book, and experience their journeys. From the dominance of mobile bookings to the rise of sports tourism and AI-powered personalization, travelers are seeking greater flexibility and tailored experiences. In this blog, learn the top travel app trends for 2024 and explore how brands can better connect with today’s travelers with mobile app retargeting.

2024 Travel App Trends and Consumer Behavior

Mobile Booking Dominance

In recent years the travel industry witnessed a significant shift towards mobile bookings. According to Business of Apps, last year, 63% of global travel bookings were made via app, with a further 10% completed on mobile web. This trend underscores the importance of optimizing travel apps for seamless mobile experiences as more and more travelers show a preference for on-the-go planning.

In total, the travel app industry drove $623 billion — a 13% increase year-over year. This revenue was primarily driven by accommodation bookings, which accounted for 72% of the total travel app market.

Source: Business of Apps

This aligns with 2024 data from American Express showing that across generations, consumers are interested in finding flight deals so they can splurge on accommodations and upgrades when they travel.

Source: American Express

The leading apps in the travel app sector include Expedia, Booking and AirBnb, with 19.3%, 17.4% and 17%, respectively.

Source: Business of Apps

Rise of Sports Tourism

As fans seek out opportunities to engage with their favorite sports teams and events, sports tourism is emerging as a major trend in 2024. According to the American Express 2024 Global Travel Trends Report, 37% of respondents plan to travel specifically for sporting events this year, with younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, leading the charge. Whether it's soccer, basketball, or Formula 1 racing, sports fans are increasingly willing to travel significant distances to experience these events firsthand. For brands, this presents a unique opportunity to cater to the needs of sports travelers, from offering specialized travel packages to creating immersive, sports-centered experiences.

Additionally, 58% of travelers travel for large-scale events, whether cultural or sports-related, further expanding the appeal of sports tourism in 2024. This trend reflects an increasing focus on creating memorable experiences and represents a lucrative opportunity for the travel sector to tap into niche, event-driven travel.

The Continued Growth of Solo Travel

Solo travel is on the rise in 2024, with 69% of all respondents—and a higher 76% of Millennials and Gen Z—planning solo trips this year. Whether it's for relaxation, self-discovery, or exploring new interests, solo travelers are looking for meaningful, personalized experiences. This growing trend is particularly focused on self-care and flexibility, as 66% of solo travelers cite self-love as a core motivation, while many plan to take multiple solo trips throughout the year.

The trend offers a significant opportunity for travel brands to tailor services and experiences that appeal to this demographic. Creating packages that provide both solitude and the chance for social engagement could draw in this growing market. Furthermore, solo travelers tend to be more flexible and spontaneous, leaving room for last-minute bookings and destination changes, allowing for creative, dynamic travel offerings that emphasize the balance between structure and spontaneity.

Spontaneity Drives Last-Minute Bookings

In an increasingly structured and scheduled world, more travelers are seeking spontaneous, unplanned trips. As the 2024 Global Travel Trends Report indicates, 78% of respondents seek spontaneous travel, with 77% of Millennials and Gen Z booking last-minute trips. This trend reflects a broader desire for flexibility in travel plans, with nearly 68% of respondents preferring unstructured time during trips to immerse themselves in local culture.

For travel brands, this signals a shift in how trips should be marketed, emphasizing flexibility, ease of booking, and authentic, on-the-ground experiences. With so many travelers planning to book last-minute trips, providing easy-to-navigate mobile apps and real-time, location-based offers can be a game-changer in capturing this market. Brands that adapt to spontaneous travel trends are well-positioned to attract customers looking for freedom and flexibility in their travel plans.

AI-Driven Personalization in Hospitality

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the travel industry by offering hyper-personalized services throughout the customer journey. From AI-powered concierges to itinerary curators, these systems anticipate traveler preferences and provide tailored recommendations. According to Dept, AI will influence 32% of all travel industry revenue in 2024, transforming how companies offer seamless, curated experiences that foster customer loyalty and satisfaction.

Shifting Traveler Mindsets Over Demographics

Traditional demographic-based segmentation is giving way to mindset-driven approaches in web design and marketing. Travelers today are more focused on personal motivations, such as cultural exploration and experiential travel, rather than fitting into neat demographic categories. To succeed, travel brands need to adopt hyper-personalization strategies that resonate with travelers' unique needs and expectations, ensuring an engaging and tailored digital experience.

Effective Retargeting Strategies for Travel Apps

Here are five effective retargeting tips tailored for travel apps, based on current consumer behavior trends.

Segment Users Based on Travel Preferences

Utilize user data to create detailed segments based on travel preferences, past bookings, and in-app behavior. With 77% of respondents prioritizing the right travel experience over cost, this segmentation allows for more targeted and relevant retargeting campaigns that resonate with users' specific interests, whether it's sports tourism, solo travel, or sustainable experiences.

Capitalize on Last-Minute Booking Trends

Given that 78% of travelers seek spontaneous trips, focus retargeting efforts on promoting last-minute deals and flexible booking options. Implement dynamic retargeting to show users personalized ads based on their recent searches or incomplete bookings, significantly increasing conversion rates by reminding users of their travel intentions and offering relevant alternatives.

Target Niche Travel Segments

Develop retargeting campaigns that address specific travel niches. For solo travelers (69% of respondents plan solo trips), showcase solo-friendly destinations and activities. For bleisure (business travel that includes leisure activities) travelers, highlight features such as workspaces in hotels and local attractions. Additionally, capitalize on the growing interest in sustainable travel by showcasing eco-friendly options and authentic local experiences in your retargeting ads.

Leverage AI for Hyper-Personalization

With AI set to influence 32% of travel industry revenue in 2024, harness its power for retargeting campaigns. Use AI-driven insights to deliver personalized recommendations based on user behavior within the app, suggesting relevant destinations, accommodations, or activities tailored to individual preferences and travel styles.

Implement Cross-Device Retargeting

With 63% of global travel bookings made via app and an additional 10% on mobile web, a cross-device retargeting strategy is crucial. Ensure consistent messaging across all user devices to enhance brand recall and increase conversion rates. This approach maintains your app's presence throughout the user's decision-making journey, from initial research to final booking.

As the travel industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of these trends is key to meeting the expectations of today’s travelers. Ready to enhance your travel app and cater to this dynamic market? Contact us to learn how we can help you leverage these trends and boost user engagement in 2024!