American Express and Marriott International have partnered to launch the new Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Premium Card and the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card. These travel credit cards, specifically marketed in Japan, feature exclusive benefits and experiences that transform the experience of avid travelers.

Card Members now have even more ways to maximize rewards, with the ability to earn increased points not only on hotel stays but also on everyday purchases like dining, groceries, and transportation. This expanded earning potential makes it easier to rack up points whether you’re booking a weekend getaway or running daily errands.

In addition to boosted points, Card Members enjoy a complimentary night stay at participating Marriott International hotels and resorts around the globe. The cards will be opening applications on August 21, 2025.

Image Credit: American Express, Marriott International

Travel trends are shifting. The rise of shoulder-season tourism and the growing fatigue around overcrowded holidays have made one thing clear: the best time to visit hotspots like Goa and Thailand might just be now, during their so-called “off-season.” Here’s why.

Fewer Tourists, Better Experiences

From the silent beaches of South Goa to the lush, monsoon-fed forests of Chiang Mai, the lack of tourist traffic during the off-season allows for a more authentic travel experience. You’re no longer jostling for space at sunrise viewpoints or waiting in long queues for that Instagram shot. Whether it’s sipping feni at a nearly empty beach shack or wandering Bangkok’s temples at your own pace, the slowdown translates into deeper, more meaningful moments. Off-season is when a destination opens up to you not just as a place, but as a community. It’s when you find the kinds of experiences that no itinerary could plan—because they happen naturally, when no one’s in a hurry.

Lower Prices, Bigger Savings

Flight tickets, hotel stays, and even tours are significantly cheaper from July to September in Goa and July to October in Thailand. Budget and mid-range properties often slash rates by 30–50%, and luxury resorts roll out off-season promotions. If you’re smart with your bookings, you could enjoy a beachfront villa or a spa suite for the cost of a regular three-star stay in peak season.

Nature At Its Best

Take it from someone who has done it: Goa’s monsoon isn’t a travel deterrent. Waterfalls swell, the Western Ghats turn vibrant green, and the state’s spice plantations come alive. Similarly, in Thailand, the “green season” offers stunning landscapes, especially in the north, where rice paddies and forests look their best. Even occasional rain becomes part of the charm, especially when followed by clear skies and cooler breezes.

No Booking Battles

Trying to get a table at a popular café in Anjuna or a last-minute island-hopping tour in Krabi during peak season can feel like a logistical nightmare. During the off-season, however, spontaneity returns. Want a sunset cruise tonight? No problem. Last-minute massage booking? Easy. The flexibility makes for a stress-free itinerary—one that’s dictated by your mood, not online reservations.

A More Sustainable Choice

Tourism, while essential for local economies, can be tough on the environment, especially during peak periods. Travelling during the off-season helps ease the pressure on popular spots and gives the local community a more stable income throughout the year. It also gives nature time to heal. When you travel off-season, you’re not just having a better experience but are also making a more responsible choice. It’s a softer footprint, a more mindful holiday, and a way to give back to the places we love to explore.

Visa-Free Thailand & Easy Access To Goa

Thailand has extended visa-free travel for Indian passport holders, making the process smoother and more budget-friendly than ever. With dozens of direct flights from India and plenty of deals floating around, getting there is easier than most people think. And for those looking to stay closer to home, Goa is just a short flight away from most major Indian cities. Even during monsoon months, local tourism boards and hotels run fantastic offers to keep the state’s charm alive and accessible.

Should You Be Worried About Weather?

Yes, it rains. But rarely all day, and almost never enough to ruin your plans. In both Goa and Thailand, off-season showers are typically intense but short. Carrying a light rain jacket and being open to a bit of unpredictability is often all it takes to enjoy the trip.

Travel News – Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.

The report uses real-time behavioural data and AI to track emerging travel movements. Here are eight top trends and how South African destinations and businesses can leverage them.

1. Travel that tells a story

Trend: Local heritage-inspired stays

From brutalist architecture in Mexico to pyramid-themed suites, global hotels are drawing on local history and culture in their design. Travellers are seeking more than a stay — they want immersion.

SA opportunity: Township tourism, safari lodges with indigenous aesthetics, and collaborations with local makers could meet this demand. Authentic, design-led experiences that are Insta-worthy and locally supportive resonate with today’s visitor.

2. The sleepcation is real

Trend: Wellness and sleep retreats<

Luxury brands like Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons are launching sleep-focused offerings with diagnostics, meditation, and AI-assisted environments.

SA opportunity: South Africa’s natural assets lend themselves to restorative getaways — from forest therapy in Knysna to stargazing pods in the Karoo.

3. Eco everything

Trend: Sustainable amenities take flight

Airlines are moving toward plastic-free and biodegradable kits. Travellers are becoming more aware of their impact.

SA opportunity: Local hospitality providers could review their own amenity offerings. Sustainable packaging and visible environmental choices are becoming brand differentiators.

4. Science + wonder

Trend: Educational, science-infused travel

Space-themed resorts and marine biology experiences show that learning and leisure are converging.

SA opportunity: With unique biodiversity and stargazing locations like Sutherland, SA can offer science-focused tourism to families, schools, and curious Gen Z travellers.

5. Gen Z is (still) everywhere

Trend: Digital-first, experience-rich travel

Gen Z travellers book based on visual appeal. They want value, personalisation, and social media-ready moments.

SA opportunity: Affordable, immersive experiences optimised for TikTok or Instagram can stand out — even mid-tier offerings, with the right visual hook, can go viral.

6. Art meets experience

Trend: Instagrammable exhibits and pop-ups

Art is becoming interactive. Museums are turning exhibitions into tactile, shareable moments.

SA opportunity: Think AR-led street art tours, wine farms as art spaces, or gallery-style pop-ups in wild natural settings.

7. AI is the new travel agent

Trend: AI travel planners and chatbots

Apps like Expedia and Kayak now use AI to generate real-time itineraries and provide instant support.

SA opportunity: Local tourism boards and operators can integrate AI tools to offer customised trip planning — from safari to city — on demand.

8. Proximity escape

Trend: Hybrid camping experiences

Travellers want nature close to home — with Wi-Fi, comfort, and a bit of luxury.

SA opportunity: Glamping near city centres or along major travel routes (like the Garden Route) could serve this market — think luxe tents with city views or Wi-Fi-enabled pods in the bush.

Why it matters

With the global travel economy expected to hit $16 trillion by 2034, understanding and adapting to these trends can help South African tourism businesses stay competitive. Travellers today want more than movement — they want meaning. South Africa, with its cultural depth and landscape diversity, is well-positioned to meet that expectation.