Travel Trends
More passengers and better service at Heathrow for the six months of 2025

- More passengers choosing Heathrow – The airport welcomed more passengers in the first six months of 2025 than ever before, hitting a record 39.9 million despite macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical events. Larger aircraft and strong demand for Asia-Pacific and Middle East destinations were the primary growth drivers. Transatlantic travel remains healthy, and these links contributed to a 2.4% growth in trade through Heathrow. With a busy summer holiday getting underway and continued strong leisure demand, Heathrow remain on-track to meet our forecast of over 84 million passengers this year.
- Most punctual hub in Europe underscores improving service – More flights are departing on-time from Heathrow this year versus any other major hub in Europe in a sign that our strategy to boost service levels is working. This strong performance is coupled with 98% of passengers waiting less than five minutes at security and circa 99% of bags travelling with their passengers. These achievements were most recently recognised earlier this year by Travel Weekly readers who awarded Heathrow Best UK Airport.
- Robust H1 EBITDA – In the first six months of 2025, revenue grew 1.9% to £1,724 million (2024: £1,692 million). The higher revenue was driven by more long-haul flying and more passengers enjoying Heathrow’s world-class retail and food and beverage options. Adjusted operating costs increased by 3.2% to £765 million (2024: £741 million) due to higher maintenance costs to support operational performance, increased National Insurance contributions and higher electricity prices. Adjusted EBITDA increased 0.8% to £959 million (2024: £951 million). No dividend payments were made to Heathrow shareholders in Q2 2025.
- The next five-year investment plan will deliver the outcomes customers want – The 2027-2031 investment plan is the next step in our strategy to become an extraordinary airport, fit for the future. Built around customer feedback and insight, the plan will improve passenger experience, boost operational resilience and enable airline growth. It is designed to be delivered affordably with the airport charge remaining competitive with global hubs and below what it was a decade ago. This private investment in UK infrastructure will boost jobs and drive growth in this Parliament. The CAA is now reviewing the plan.
- Unlocking new capacity at the UK’s gateway to growth – The airport will submit its proposal to Ministers by July 31st on how they can secure long-term capacity growth at the UK’s hub airport. The plans will be entirely privately financed and have the potential to kickstart economic growth across the whole of the UK from construction through to operation. Depending on the Government’s response, Heathrow would aim to meet their ambition to secure planning permission in this Parliament and for the runway to be operational by 2035. New capacity would boost competition and choice for consumers, drive economic growth for the UK and improve operational resilience at the UK’s hub airport.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: “We are delivering on our vision to become an extraordinary airport, fit for the future. We are welcoming record passenger numbers and improving the services that matter most. Our new five-year investment plan will mean faster, more reliable journeys, more on-time flights and unlock room to grow – all while delivering better value for customers. We will soon submit our long-term expansion plans to the Government, providing the UK with the opportunity to stay competitive, boost jobs and drive nationwide growth. Heathrow has an exciting future ahead and we are ready to get going.”
The article More passengers and better service at Heathrow for the six months of 2025 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
Travel Trends
Top 35 Travel Trends in August

At the forefront of digital innovation, Mindtrip debuts a new AI-powered mobile app, offering real-time, hyper-personalized travel guidance that adapts to users on the go. United Airlines also upgraded its app with a connecting flight-centric feature, simplifying complicated itineraries for smoother travel. Meanwhile, the luxury sector is expanding with a renewed focus on wellbeing. Marriott International’s Luxury Group launched its ‘Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025’ across top Asian destinations, while Loreto’s Mailena, debuting in late summer 2026, introduces a restorative adults-only retreat to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula.
Nostalgia is trending, too as ‘Pan Am Journeys’ by Private Air, under license from the iconic Pan American World Airways, offers retro-inspired, private air travel experiences. Similarly, Carl Friedrik’s ‘Carry-on X Core Collection’ nods to mid-century aviation aesthetics with sleek, functional design. On the water, Viking makes waves by entering the Indian river cruise market with the introduction of the ‘Viking Brahmaputra,’ bringing high-end cruising to the subcontinent. Nox, looking to the future of European rail travel, announces plans for 2027 overnight trains with private, comfort-first cabins—reshaping the night train experience.
On the lifestyle side, Four Seasons adds flair with its ‘Resort Pajamas Collection,’ while Groupe GM and Hei Poa debut a soothing, protective sun care hotel amenity line. Additionally, ‘The Cayman Club’ by Cayman Jack provides travelers with a sense of calm amid travel disruptions, and ‘Camp Unwritten’ by World of Hyatt and Reese’s Book Club invites guests to glamp with books, nature, and luxury.
Altogether, August’s travel trends reflect a traveler mindset increasingly shaped by individuality, relaxation, and meaningful escape—one that seeks not just destinations, but immersive, personal journeys.
Travel Trends
Nepal’s Royal Tulip opens Doors

In a major push to elevate Nepal’s hospitality landscape, Sarovar Hotels—part of the Louvre Hotels Group—has launched Royal Tulip Chitwan, the brand’s premium entry into the country. Situated at the edge of Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the new resort seamlessly blends luxury, nature, and Nepali culture. The opening marks the debut of the Royal Tulip brand in Nepal and signals growing confidence in the country’s tourism potential.
Developed by KTM Hospitality (a KTM Group Holdings company), the resort spans over 4 acres and offers 65 upscale rooms and villas. Accommodation options include private Pool Villas, serene Water Villas, and unique Machan-style stays that elevate the guest experience. With a focus on nature-inspired design and top-tier comfort, the resort is positioned as an ideal destination for luxury travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, and honeymooners alike.
Royal Tulip Chitwan goes beyond just accommodation, offering world-class facilities like a luxury spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, and multiple gourmet dining options. Guests can enjoy meals at Majhighar, Forest Flame, the revolving deck Machan, or unwind at the stylish Tanavi Sports Bar. The emphasis is on immersive experiences rooted in local culture and cuisine, combined with global service standards.
Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman of Sarovar Hotels, emphasised the strategic significance of this launch, noting Nepal’s increasing appeal among Indian and international tourists. He stated that Royal Tulip Chitwan is designed to offer a luxurious yet culturally authentic retreat. Rameshwar Shah of KTM Hospitality echoed this sentiment, highlighting the resort’s role in promoting Chitwan as a luxury eco-tourism hotspot.
With this debut, Louvre Hotels Group is expanding its South Asian footprint by targeting high-potential, experience-driven markets. Royal Tulip Chitwan is expected to become a landmark for leisure travel in Nepal, attracting guests seeking a tranquil yet luxurious escape surrounded by nature and culture.
Travel Trends
Wyndham expands in Wayanad Hills

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is strengthening its footprint in South India with the upcoming Ramada by Wyndham Wayanad Vythiri, a 52-room upscale hotel scheduled to open in 2026. Nestled in the lush greenery of Vythiri, this property is being developed by local entrepreneur Asok Thirikkoth. The hotel is poised to cater to a growing wave of both domestic and international travellers seeking wellness and nature-driven escapes.
The hotel will feature modern amenities, including a full-service spa, all-day dining, meeting and event spaces, and rooms designed for both leisure and business needs. This launch is expected to enhance the hospitality landscape of Wayanad, a region gaining popularity for eco-tourism and holistic wellness offerings.
Asok Thirikkoth emphasised that the Ramada brand’s arrival aligns with the vision to elevate local tourism. Wyndham’s Rahool Macarius also highlighted Wayanad’s potential as a high-demand destination for eco-conscious travelers, signaling the brand’s long-term commitment to Tier-2 markets.
With over 9,300 hotels globally, Wyndham’s strategic expansion in India continues, reflecting its focus on emerging leisure destinations and robust regional collaborations that prioritise sustainable growth and premium guest experiences.
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