Global tourism trends and the future of the tourism industry

Purpose This study aims to examine the development process of tourism from the past to the present and its future transformation trends in a multidimensional manner. The study comprehensively analyzes the fundamental turning points that shaped tourism in the past, the global trends and structural changes affecting the sector today, and the expected future directions. Accordingly, it aims to present forecasts of how the industry has evolved and will be restructured in the future, based on global tourism trends as a fundamental reference. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual study is based on a thematic review of the existing literature on global tourism trends. The data for the study were compiled from previous research addressing global tourism trends. Findings It has been concluded that COVID-19 represents a significant turning point for tourism and that tourism trends have been shaped in line with experience-based, niche tourism trends throughout this process. The study is structured under the themes of The Beginning of Modern Tourism, The COVID-19 Pandemic Period, Global Tourism Trends in the New Era and Future Tourism Trends. Originality/value This study brings together historical turning points, pandemic-induced structural transformation and future tourism trends, which are often addressed separately in the literature, within a comprehensive analytical framework. By evaluating the crises tourism has experienced in the past, the transformation it is undergoing today and its possible future directions, it moves beyond fragmented approaches and treats tourism as a constantly changing structure. In this respect, the study presents a clearer picture of how tourism is evolving, offering a more coherent and comprehensive perspective on the field's discussions.