While many travelers planned to stay home in 2021 due to the COVID-19 health crisis, those who did travel were turning to vacation types they had not tried before. Research shows a desire among people to travel safely and with minimal restrictions. City tourism, rural tourism, domestic travel, business and MICE tourism, medical tourism, sports, cultural, gastronomic, family, and educational tourism are among the top 10 trends for 2021. Among these trends are the rapid recovery of medical tourism, the return of in-person events within a year, and the expectation from families for technology and resources from accommodation facilities.

'Domestic travel' is a recent trend in the tourism industry. Tourists in the third millennium are increasingly inclined to choose less-visited destinations and tourist spots, and they tend to prefer a certain closeness to local people and host communities. Business and MICE Tourism The changes in business and event tourism due to the pandemic have created new forms of relationships and organization, such as hybrid and online events. However, face-to-face activities are expected to return within a year.
Medical tourism has resumed its growth in recent years. While the pandemic, travel restrictions, and the closed borders of some countries have caused disruptions, the sector is expected to quickly recover. Wellness holidays are becoming increasingly attractive, especially during times of stress that have never been experienced before. It is hoped that this type of tourism will become even more popular as people become more aware of the importance of public health. India, Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, California, Bali, Italy, and Hawaii are emerging as prominent destinations. Sports tourism Participation in sports tourism is also expected to increase, whether as a spectator or as an athlete. In general, these types of events require local tourism contributions and infrastructure, and are expected to continue attracting more tourists in the future. Cultural tourism Cultural tourism is possible throughout the year. This sector, which also provides significant benefits to the economy, offers activities that travelers seek, such as museum visits, participation in festivals, or experiencing local cuisine. Gastronomy An increasing number of travelers are seeking to experience the local cuisine, which is supported by a rich culture. Activities related to this are also gaining prominence. In many destinations, food tours or food festivals are organized at different times of the year. The culinary experience ranges from visits to restaurants to personal cooking classes taught by local people.