• Young South Africans are turning to AI to plan and research trips as they eye more holidays come 2025.
• Holidaymakers from across the globe are readily embracing AI.
• South Africans want to travel more but are keen to look out for special prices as the economy bites.

According to hotel chain corporation Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel industry is set to grow come 2025 after years of COVID-induced recovery. In South Africa, specifically, over 60 percent of locals surveyed said they were planning to take more holidays next year than in 2024.

“Surveyed South Africans are 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,” results from the survey read.

“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%).”

Over 2 000 respondents were surveyed across the EMEA region as to their travel tastes come 2025.

One vital trend highlighted by the survey, especially when it comes to the digital world, is that travellers from South Africa and holidaymakers from all over the globe, are turning to generative AI software to either plan or research a future holiday.

“The use of AI in travel planning is also growing rapidly,” the chain says in a statement sent to Hypertext.

“Nearly half (48%) of travellers from South Africa have used AI to help plan or research a holiday, above the EMEA average of 41%.” This means that South Africans seem to have a slight skew towards AI.

We noted as much in our first annual AI in Business survey in June this year. After polling our readers, it turned out that South Africans were more inclined to using AI software and were hopeful for its benefits in the future.

In terms of travellers, younger South Africans are adopting AI to plan trips.

“With 57% of 18–24-year-olds and 63% of 25–34-year-olds using AI in the past year, indicating its mainstream adoption among younger South Africans,” the results add.

Other notable trends is that South Africans tend to feel braver while on holiday, and attempt “risky” or “thrilling” activities more often than if they were 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%).”

South African travellers are also more family-oriented, preferring to travel with friends and family instead of just travelling alone. Additionally, “spending time with friends and family” (63 percent) is the top priority for holidays, followed by “treating themselves” (54 percent).

Locals are also considering their wallets even though they are planning to get out more. One of the main factors that would encourage booking a holiday is “getting a special price.” Over 62 percent of respondents keyed this answer.

“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%).”

Despite a challenging economy, South Africans seem keen to get out and live more. If you’re one of these, then take those holiday days and go do something. Remember, you can’t take it with you.