WeTravel poll sees rise of solo-only and ‘hyper-niche’ group tours

Bookings and payments platform WeTravel has reported a rise in solo travel and ‘hyper-niche’ group tours for 2025.

The developments are outlined in the firm’s annual Trends Report, which reviews 2025 booking data from hundreds of operators.

Ted Clements, chief executive of WeTravel, said: “Our internal data signals exactly what our annual Trends Report shows: group travel is on the rise, unlike ever before, and the bookings are increasingly changing to meet individual needs, like customisation, solo-only group trips and hyper-niche, shared-passion group trips for common-interest communities.

“To see whiskey and crafting tours, vegan food tours for solo women, community-based homestay-only tours in Peru is an indicator that group travel is more immersive, customised and expansive than prior years.”

The report found 18% of multi-day travel businesses expanded their offerings for 2025 departures to include solo-only trips, while 43% of businesses say they are getting more inbound interest from bookers to customise existing itineraries.

However, 70% of businesses have increased the price of their trips departing in 2025 compared to 2024.

More than a third (35%) of operators are running tours in the shoulder season or off-peak seasons to combat over-tourism.

However, there is an “ongoing consumer paradox”, noted WeTravel.

“While 42% of businesses have implemented sustainable travel practices, only 15% of travellers are willing to pay more for sustainable options, presenting a challenge for the industry,” it said.