As the travel landscape continues to evolve, OakCover Magazine has released its forecast for the top 10 trends likely to shape the industry in 2025.
While these trends reflect shifting traveler preferences, they also present strategic opportunities for businesses in the outdoor hospitality, glamping, RV, and caravan sectors to adapt and innovate.
According to a news release, one of the most prominent developments is the rise of regenerative travel. Travelers are increasingly looking to leave a positive impact on the destinations they visit—going beyond sustainability by contributing to local conservation efforts or participating in environmental initiatives.
For outdoor hospitality providers, this growing preference signals the value of integrating community-based partnerships and eco-centric programs into their offerings. Operators might consider offering guest participation in reforestation or wildlife rehabilitation as part of their stay experiences.
The ongoing shift toward remote work has also influenced travel behavior. The “work-from-anywhere” model has normalized the blending of work and leisure.
“Professionals are blending productivity with exploration by choosing inspiring locations with strong Wi-Fi, coworking hubs, and curated downtime activities,” OakCover noted. Campgrounds, resorts, and RV parks with reliable connectivity and flexible workspaces are well-positioned to attract this demographic.
Another trend with implications for industry stakeholders is the increasing demand for “glamping 2.0”—a term describing elevated luxury experiences in natural settings.
With features like domed villas, spa treatments, and gourmet dining, this trend underscores rising consumer expectations. For glamping operators, this may mean re-evaluating infrastructure investments or partnering with high-end service providers to differentiate their offerings.
OakCover also identified slow travel and long stays as a growing priority. Extended stays allow travelers to engage more deeply with a location while reducing their carbon footprint.
Accommodations that incentivize longer bookings, through pricing models or immersive local programming, could benefit from increased occupancy rates and guest loyalty.
The emergence of accessible adventure travel presents both a challenge and an opportunity for operators. As companies broaden their offerings to include travelers with limited mobility, industry players may need to audit their physical infrastructure and activity options for accessibility compliance.
“From weekend camping trips to urban walking tours, micro-adventures promise excitement closer to home,” the publication added. This highlights a demand for short, localized experiences—an area where RV parks and campgrounds can excel by offering curated itineraries and add-on experiences.
With culinary-focused travel, mental wellness tourism, and hyper-personalized itineraries also on the rise, the message is clear: guests are looking for more than just a place to stay—they want meaning, comfort, and connection.
Businesses in the outdoor hospitality sector that understand and cater to these trends may find new pathways for growth in 2025 and beyond.