The Travel industry saw a post-pandemic surge, largely driven by revenge tourism. While revenge tourism ignited travel as a mainstream activity post COVID, the true drivers now are the rise of social media oriented travel, adrenaline boosters, remote work and global nomadism.
Looking from an ecommerce lens, the ongoing demand is rooted in a deeper shift in consumer behaviour and lifestyle. As travel resumed, backpacks became essential, but the trend has evolved beyond just backpacks & trolleys.
- Beyond the Backpack: The Rise of Traveler-Made Travel Accessories
Travel industry has created more avenues & a strong established market for travel essentials & accessories for specific travel use cases that goes beyond backpacks.
- Rising Demand for Universal Adapters
The increasing popularity of international travel, particularly among remote workers and digital nomads, is driving the demand for universal adapters.
- Toiletry Boom- The Unexpected Hero of the Travel Surge
The demand for these personal care essentials has soared in 2023, before slightly stabilizing in 2024. This surge is a reflection of travellers’ renewed focus on health and hygiene while on the go. As people pack their bags for long-awaited adventures, toiletries have become non-negotiable, making this category a goldmine for eCommerce brands in 2024.
- Smart packing- the rise of vacuum bags in travel
The demand for these space saving wonders have exploded and the reason is clear- Vacuum bags offer the perfect solution, allowing for more organized, compact packing, and enabling travelers to pack smarter, not heavier. For eCommerce brands, this is a category that’s set to continue its upward trajectory, riding the wave of smarter travel habits.
- GenZ travel is more about Adventure + Social + Tech
A strong correlation between rucksacks and cameras suggests a market for tech-friendly travel gear. The surge in demand for camera bags underscores the growing interest in photography and videography, particularly among Genz.
- The instagram savvy young traveller
For this growing customer base, experience is very important. This indicates an untapped Instagram-savvy market. Additionally, this generation has a stronger emphasis on experience and style, which has led to the emergence of quirky shades, vibrant designs, and even the booming customised luggage market.
- More inclusive travel on the cards?
A notable increase in demand for men’s backpacks is evident, signalling a shift in consumer preferences.
- A shift from generic to specific keywords
A noticeable transition from generic terms like “backpack” to more specific gender-based descriptors such as “backpack for men” and “backpack for women” is evident.
- Gender-Based Travel Accessory Market Competition
While women’s accessories slightly edged out men’s in 2023, both categories show a parallel growth pattern, reflecting the universal appeal of stylish and functional travel gear. The demand for this catefory remains robust, signalling that travel accessories are now a staple for both genders in the eCommerce space.
- Seize the Work-From-Anywhere Movement
With tech-savvy travelers embracing remote work, brands can bundle adapters and tech essentials to cater to the “Work from Anywhere” market.
What is in it for the brands?
- Embrace the Work-From-Anywhere Movement-
By bundling adapters with other tech essentials and promoting a “Work from Anywhere” lifestyle, brands can effectively target the mobile, tech-savvy travel market.
- Seize the Travel-Sized, Eco-Friendly Essentials market-
Skincare and hygiene brands can capitalise on this trend by offering eco-friendly, travel-sized products and aligning their marketing strategies with consumer values.
- Supply Space-Saver Solutions for Modern Travelers-
Brands can capitalise on the vacuum bags trend by offering bundled products and targeted marketing campaigns.
- Gear Up for Photographer Travelers-
Backpacks designed for photographers represent a lucrative niche. Combining travel gear with technology can also create a unique market position.
- Tap into Men’s Backpack Demand-
The growing popularity of men’s backpacks presents a lucrative opportunity for brands to capture market share. Brands can focus on practical designs and durability. - Expand in Women’s Travel Accessories market-
While the demand for men’s backpacks is stronger, the higher demand for women’s travel accessories presents an opportunity for brands to focus on this growing market segment.
Conclusion
While the overall travel gear market has cooled from its 2023 peak, there are still significant opportunities for brands to carve out a niche. By focusing on specific product categories like toiletries, adapters, and backpacks, and leveraging quick commerce platforms for rapid delivery, brands can effectively tap into the evolving needs of today’s travellers. This approach allows for a strategic focus on quality, functionality, and convenience, key factors driving consumer behaviour in the travel space.
Essentially, the market is ripe for brands to create a unique value proposition and establish a strong presence through a multi-channel approach.
