Are you ready to welcome the new travelers of 2025? Tourism is changing at a breakneck pace, driven by a desire for sustainability, nostalgia and innovative technology. Travelers are now seeking unique experiences – from secluded destinations to vintage-themed properties. According to Expedia's "Unpack '25" report, 63% of tourists prefer unpopular places, to avoid crowds and discover authentic experiences. These changes create new opportunities for Airbnb property owners, but require adaptation.
Flat Manager, managing over 600 properties in Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna, is keeping up with these trends. With experience in short and medium-term rentals, we help owners transform their properties to meet new expectations. In this article, we will look at five key tourism trends for 2025 and show you how to prepare your property to attract more guests and increase your revenue.
Search for unpopular destinations
Travelers in 2025 are increasingly avoiding crowded tourist centers in search of peaceful, authentic places. This trend is especially pronounced among digital nomads and families who value nature and local culture. Travel website Skift notes that demand for rural and mountain properties is growing by 15% per year.
An apartment in the Rhodope Mountains, managed by our company, was promoted as a “quiet haven” for digital nomads. With a focus on nearby eco-trails and local festivals, the property achieved 70% employment in the fall – a traditionally low season for the region. If you own an Airbnb property – mark it as a “relaxing destination” in your listings. Highlight local attractions, such as hiking trails, wineries, or historical landmarks. Provide fast and reliable Wi-Fi to attract remote workers. Flat Manager can optimize your listing for platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb, using keywords like “seclusion” and “nature.” Add professional photos that showcase the surroundings. Adapting to this trend attracts niche travelers, increasing occupancy and revenue during the low seasons.
Nostalgic tourism
Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly seeking experiences reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s, such as retro properties, themed camps, or accommodations with a “nostalgic vibe.” According to Airbnb’s 2025 trends, the demand for properties with vintage decor or retro elements is increased by 20% over the past year. Travelers are looking to immerse themselves in the aesthetics of the past – from gramophones to colorful wallpapers – to create memorable moments. This trend is especially popular among young couples and groups of friends.
We renovated an apartment in Sofia with retro decor, including vintage furniture, 90s posters, and a retro game console, then promoted the property as "nostalgic escape", which led to a 50% increase in bookings among young travelers in six months.
Add retro elements like a record player, cassette player, or vintage lamps to create a unique atmosphere. Create themed ads that highlight the 90s, with phrases like "travel back in time". Highlight nearby retro cafes or events in your listing. Nostalgic properties stand out on platforms like Airbnb, attracting more bookings and loyal guests.
Sustainable tourism
Sustainability is at the heart of tourism in 2025, with travelers increasingly opting for eco-friendly properties. According to Booking.com's 2024 sustainability report, 74% of tourists are looking for sustainable options, such as energy-efficient buildings or properties with a minimal carbon footprint. Guests are willing to pay up to 15% more for accommodations that demonstrate environmental responsibility. This trend is especially popular among millennials and families who value green initiatives.
After adding recyclable materials and marking a property we manage in Varna as "eco-friendly" in the listings, its rating rose from 4.2 to 4.8 stars in six months.
Install LED lighting, water-saving systems, and recyclable materials like bamboo towels. Use eco-friendly cleaning products. Highlight these features in your listings with phrases like “sustainable oasis“. Flat Manager can advise you on affordable green improvements and optimize your listings for platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, attracting conscious travelers.
Music and event tourism
Music and event tourism is set to gain momentum in 2025, fueled by major tours by artists like Oasis and popular festivals. According to Skift, bookings for accommodation around concerts and events have increased by 25% in the past two years, with fans traveling thousands of miles for unique experiences. Expedia notes that 68% of travelers plan trips around cultural or music events, looking for proximity to venues and amenities like transportation.
During the music festival "Hills of Rock" in Plovdiv, Flat Manager manages an apartment whose listings were updated with information about the event. With dynamic pricing and highlighting proximity to the festival, reservations were filled within hours.
Update your listings with information about upcoming events in the area, such as concerts, festivals, or sporting events. Highlight the proximity to the location and offer add-ons like a shuttle to the event or a guide to local attractions. Flat Manager can sync prices with peak periods and optimize your listings for platforms like Airbnb using keywords like “festival” or “concert.”
Digital detox and solitude
In 2025, travelers are increasingly looking for quiet places to “digital detox” to escape connectivity and stress. According to Travel Weekly, demand for properties without Wi-Fi in natural settings has grown by 30% in the past two years, especially among millennials and professionals looking for relaxation. Booking.com notes that 59% of travelers prefer accommodations focused on privacy and quiet, offering alternatives such as board games or meditation.
Brand your property as a “place to relax” in your listings, using phrases like “digital detox” or “secluded retreat.” Replace TVs with board games, books, or local trail guides. Provide a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace or outdoor relaxation area. Flat Manager can create listings focused on privacy and organize professional photos highlighting nature.
Conclusion
Tourism in 2025 is transforming with a focus on off-the-beaten-track destinations, nostalgia, sustainability, events, and digital detox. These trends are changing the expectations of travelers who are looking for unique, eco-friendly, and relaxing experiences. According to Booking.com, 74% of travelers prefer sustainable options, and Skift notes a 25% increase in bookings around events. Adapting your property to these needs can increase occupancy and revenue, but it takes time, effort, and a professional approach.
With experience managing over 350 properties in Bulgaria, Flat Manager offers expertise in listing optimization, interior design, and dynamic pricing. We can turn your property into a magnet for new travelers.
Want to attract the travelers of 2025? Contact us now for more information!
