In defiance of global market volatility, the travel industry is poised for record-breaking growth. In 2025, travel is projected to contribute $11.7 trillion to the global economy—accounting for 10.3% of the world’s GDP. And international travel alone is expected to hit new highs, with consumers projected to spend $2.1 trillion, up from the pre-pandemic peak of $1.9 trillion in 2019.
For marketers, that means summer travel campaigns can’t be treated as business as usual. With travelers spending more - and planning further in advance—brands that harness high-quality audience data to reach the right travelers at the right time will be best positioned to drive bookings, loyalty, and lifetime value.
Let’s look at four ways brands can ensure they’re connecting with summer travelers in a relevant way, as well as some specific audience segments that have been proven to drive bookings.
Connect with People Shopping for Flights
Airfare shoppers are often in the early planning stages of their summer vacations, which makes this a prime moment to influence their decision-making. Whether they’re comparing budget carriers for domestic getaways or searching for the best business-class fare to Europe, this audience is highly motivated—and often open to destination inspiration. Brands in the travel, hospitality, and tourism industries can engage them with timely offers, curated itineraries, and flash deals. Digital channels like travel aggregators, mobile apps, and search-based targeting are key for reaching these intent-driven consumers.
Targeting Tip: Looking to connect with travelers actively looking to book flights? Consider leveraging an audience segment like “Global Affinity Answers - Intent - Travel - Airlines.”
Connect with Business Travelers
Not all summer travel is leisure. Many professionals are blending work and play with "bleisure" trips that extend corporate travel into personal time. These travelers are often high-spending, brand-loyal, and tech-savvy—making them an ideal audience for premium services and convenience-driven experiences. Brands can reach them through platforms where they engage with news, productivity content, or travel tools. Tailoring your messaging around loyalty perks, expedited services, and luxury business accommodations can go a long way in resonating with this segment.
Targeting Tip: Looking to connect with summer business travelers? Consider leveraging an audience segment like “Global ShareThis - Intent - Travel - Business Travel.”
Connect with Frequent Travelers
Frequent travelers aren’t just planning a single summer trip—they’re often bouncing between multiple destinations. This audience values efficiency, status perks, and seamless experiences across brands and platforms. They’re more likely to be enrolled in rewards programs, use travel subscription services, and engage with personalized offers. To connect with these high-value consumers, marketers should focus on loyalty, continuity, and cross-channel personalization. Think: retargeted deals, exclusive upgrades, and one-click bookings.
Targeting Tip: Looking to connect with people likely to be planning more than one getaway this summer? Consider leveraging an audience segment like “Eyeota - Travel - Interest - Category - Frequent.”
Connect with Luxury Travelers
Luxury travelers prioritize experience over expense—and summer is their season for unforgettable indulgence. Whether it’s a Mediterranean yacht charter, a five-star retreat in Bali, or a bespoke cultural tour, this audience is drawn to exclusive, high-end offerings. Brands can appeal to their sensibilities with immersive storytelling, rich visual content, and personalized white-glove service. Reaching them in premium digital environments—such as travel magazine sites, luxury marketplaces, and CTV platforms—can boost credibility and engagement.
Targeting Tip: Looking to connect with U.S. travelers willing to invest in high-end experiences abroad? Consider leveraging an audience segment like “US 33Across - Luxury Travelers - International Travel.”
The Summer Travel Audience Guide
So, how can brands targeting summer travel audiences optimize their digital ad spending to reach their best customers and prospects online? From driving awareness to engaging consumers in-market, the Eyeota Summer Travel Audience Playbook has the personas and profiles you need.
Browse our selection of audience segments built from behavioral, demographics, interests, intent, lifestyle and ownership insights. Activate our audience segments on all major demand-side and supply-side platforms to identify, reach, and engage your best target customers on audio, connected TV, display, digital out-of-home, mobile, and social channels.
Discover addressable digital audience profiles to target your ideal customers, including ones segmented by:
Connect with the Data Desk to request your custom audience targeting strategy today!