Design Hotels’ latest report explores how travelers’ growing desire for deep, meaningful connections is reshaping the future of travel and redefining hospitality experiences.

Design Hotels, a global network of nearly 300 independent hotels, has unveiled its second annual Further Forecast trend report, focusing on travelers’ increasing desire to form meaningful connections and how this shift is reshaping their expectations for travel experiences.

The 2025 Further Forecast report offers over 50 pages of key findings, case studies, and practical insights, introducing three microtrends under the concept of Community Capital: the social and cultural value created by relationships and community ties. These trends include communities based on niche interests, emerging knowledge hubs centered on education and skill-building, and the growing recognition that strong social bonds can enhance our longevity.

The study reveals that the next generation of travelers is prioritizing deeper connections over traditional leisure travel. Rather than seeking simple getaways, travelers are now looking for experiences that foster personal development and a sense of belonging. According to the report, 69% of Gen Z respondents are more likely to book a hotel that facilitates opportunities to meet new people, compared to 56% of millennials in the previous year’s survey.

This growing focus on community-oriented travel points to a larger cultural shift: people are rethinking the value of travel, seeing it as a means to enrich their lives, cultivate meaningful connections, and lead more intentional lives. Key findings from the report highlight this transformation:

• New models for community-building are transforming the travel landscape, with digital platforms moving offline to create real-world connections.
• 74% of survey respondents believe that travel experiences centered on shared passions or like-minded communities enhance their sense of purpose.
• More than half of millennials and Gen Z respondents say that offline communities—such as book clubs or social clubs—offer them the greatest sense of belonging.
• Immersive dining and supper clubs are examples of this trend, as seen in Dexamenes Seaside Hotel in Kourouta, Greece, where the hotel hosts events that bring together artists, scientists, and thinkers to discuss food sovereignty and cultural heritage.

Elsewhere, Hotelito at MUSA in Guerrero, Mexico, hosts an annual adults-only Summer Camp inspired by the spirit of traditional summer camps, where guests are encouraged to share their passions and co-create experiences, such as live music performances and organic gardening workshops.

The report also highlights how knowledge is becoming a vital form of social capital. Travelers are now seeking destinations that offer opportunities for personal growth, skill-building, and knowledge exchange within communities.

• 79% of respondents are open to traveling specifically to acquire a new skill.
• 1 in 4 millennials and Gen Z travelers embrace local tours and creative workshops, such as writing or painting, while staying at hotels; more than half would prefer hotels that provide opportunities for career and intellectual development.
• For example, Cervo Mountain Resort in Zermatt, Switzerland, hosts its annual retreat, “A Love Beyond,” where guests engage with expert speakers and participate in skill-building workshops, leading to increased bookings year after year.

Longevity is another growing focus, with 82% of respondents considering hotels as spaces that can contribute to their long-term health and well-being. 90% of millennials and Gen Z travelers believe that social connections during travel significantly impact personal well-being.

Looking to the future, Giardino Mountain in St. Moritz, Switzerland, plans to host a six-day longevity retreat in 2025, bringing in experts on biohacking and metabolic medicine.

Designed for hoteliers, designers, architects, and cultural leaders, the Further Forecast provides actionable insights on how to evolve hotel spaces and programming to foster community connections. Additionally, the report outlines projections for the travel industry over the next 1, 5, and 10 years.

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