Olá from Portugal!
I hope this message finds you well and safe. As we wrap up 2024 and prepare to welcome a new year, I didn’t want to begin this time of festivities and joy without taking a moment to share my perspective on what the travel industry might look like in 2025. This past year brought incredible resilience and creativity to the tourism world, despite all the negativity our planet is facing due to economic, political, and social instability. In spite of all this, we see that people are still eager to travel more, making every journey an opportunity to explore, broaden horizons, and above all, live and share emotions, especially with their loved ones. I believe the coming year will continue to push boundaries in ways we haven’t seen before.
A More Personalized Travel Experience
In 2025, travelers will crave deeper, more meaningful connections with the places they visit. Expect to see a continued rise in tailor-made itineraries, small-group adventures, and immersive activities that let you connect directly with locals. No more “one-size-fits-all” vacations—authenticity is the key.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
The conversation around sustainability will only grow louder, and rightfully so. Eco-friendly accommodations, farm-to-table dining, and low-impact tours will become the new norm. These choices won’t just feel good—they’ll add value to your trip, making each experience something you can feel proud of supporting.
The Role of Technology
Technology will continue to enhance how we travel—making searching and booking faster, providing better experiences, granting access to exclusive deals, and enabling real-time language translations. However, it won’t replace human connections. The emotional and interactive aspects of a trip will be recognized as the true gems of our travel experiences, lingering with us long after we return home. I see technology as a tool that frees us to spend more time exploring, tasting, learning, and simply being present in the moment.
Celebrating the Holiday Season
With Christmas and the New Year knocking on our door, let’s take a moment to celebrate and be thankful for what this year has given us. The holiday season is always special—filled with warmth, love, gratitude, and the promise of new beginnings. As we gather with our loved ones, making our hearts complete, I want to extend my warm thanks to all our travelers, partners, and friends who’ve joined Splendid Portugal along the way, becoming part of our story. Let’s continue living the Big Adventure, grateful for everything we’ve experienced and ready to grow as human beings—more conscious, more connected, and more open to the world that awaits us.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May your 2025 be filled with adventures that inspire you, landscapes that move you, and memories that last a lifetime.