Global spending on leisure tourism is projected to reach $15 trillion by 2040

067 – Bogotá, Colombia – August 11, 2025. Leisure tourism is positioned as a growing activity that responds to an essential human need: enjoying free time, experiencing new cultures, growing personally, and building memories. According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group, global spending in this segment will reach $5 trillion by 2024, and if the trend continues, it will reach $15 trillion by 2040.

The projection predicts that domestic travel will account for the largest share of spending, at $11.7 trillion, followed by regional travel at $2 trillion and international travel at $1.4 trillion. This growth is expected to be driven by the expansion of the middle class in emerging markets, the preference for experiences over material goods, and the increase in domestic and regional travel.

On the demographic front, millennials and Generation Z are estimated to be the main drivers, with increased use of digital tools and more demanding expectations. Furthermore, solo travel is expected to represent between 18% and 39% of global tourism.

While the current predominant motivations are relaxation, exploration, contact with nature, and family reunion, new trends are emerging such as wellness (mindfulness retreats, holistic resorts), gastronomy, religious tourism, cultural and educational travel, and bleisure, which combines work and leisure.

The study highlights that constant changes in traveler preferences require travel agencies to continually adapt through training and the creation of portfolios that respond to new market demands.