Published on
November 24, 2025

In 2025, Saudi Arabia joins Greece, India, Spain, and Macao in a groundbreaking journey to shatter hotel booking records and rewrite the travel playbook. These five countries are leading the charge in the global tourism boom, setting new standards for what’s possible in the hotel industry. As demand for travel surges, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a rising star, bringing unprecedented growth to its hotel market. Meanwhile, Greece, India, Spain, and Macao continue to build on their established reputations, offering travellers unique experiences that drive bookings through the roof.
The rise in bookings is not just a statistic – it’s a reflection of changing global travel trends, where more people are booking earlier and spending more on unforgettable experiences. Discover why these destinations are at the forefront of this shift, and how they’re transforming the way the world travels in 2025.
Saudi Arabia: A Rapidly Growing Hotel Market
Saudi Arabia is another country that is seeing significant growth in hotel bookings. According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the hotel occupancy rate in Q1 2025 reached 63%, marking a 2.1 percentage point increase compared to the same period in 2024. Although the occupancy rate may seem modest compared to other countries, the growth is still noteworthy, reflecting a rising demand for hotel rooms in the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s hotel market is expected to continue growing, driven by an increasing number of international tourists and ongoing efforts to boost the country’s tourism industry. The government’s Vision 2030 initiative aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global tourism hub, and the rise in hotel bookings is a clear sign that the country is moving in the right direction.
Saudi Arabia’s hotel market is still developing, but it shows great potential for future growth. As more hotels are built and the country becomes more accessible to international tourists, hotel bookings will likely continue to rise in the coming years.
Greece: A Booming Destination for Hotel Bookings in 2025
Greece is experiencing a remarkable surge in hotel bookings. According to recent data from Nelios, a digital marketing company, early hotel bookings for 2026 in Greece are already up by an impressive 33.3% compared to the same period in 2024. Not only are bookings on the rise, but revenue is also growing, with an increase of 19.2%. This reflects the strong demand from individual travellers looking to book their stays directly through hotel websites.
The Greek islands are particularly benefiting from this boom. Destinations like Kos and Paros are leading the way, with Kos showing a staggering 170% increase in early bookings and 132.5% growth in revenue. Paros is also seeing impressive results, with bookings up by 139.5% and revenue increasing by 47.2%. Other regions, such as Crete, are also experiencing significant growth, with Crete recording 117.5% growth in bookings and a 164.66% increase in revenue.
However, not all Greek destinations are seeing positive trends. Famous islands like Santorini and Mykonos are experiencing mixed results. While Santorini shows a slight drop in early bookings, Mykonos is seeing a modest increase of 15.1% in bookings, though its revenue is down by 19%.
Despite these fluctuations, Greece is undoubtedly a hot destination for 2025, with strong growth in many areas, especially in terms of direct bookings and increased revenue.
Spain: Consistent Growth in Hotel Bookings
Spain is another destination where hotel bookings are experiencing a steady increase. Official data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) reveals that in July 2025, the country saw a 1.8% rise in overnight stays in hotels compared to the same month in 2024. This growth in bookings is complemented by a 5% increase in hotel prices, showing that Spain is not only attracting more tourists but also benefiting from higher spending per visitor.
While the growth in bookings is moderate, Spain remains one of Europe’s most popular destinations, offering a strong and stable hotel market. The increase in average room prices suggests that travellers are willing to pay more for a higher-quality experience, further strengthening Spain’s position as a top global tourist destination.
The rise in hotel bookings in Spain, although not as explosive as in other regions, is a positive sign of steady growth in the travel industry. Spain continues to be a key player in the European and global tourism market, offering a wide variety of attractions and experiences that keep visitors coming back year after year.
Macao: Luxury and Gaming Driving Hotel Bookings
Macao, known for its luxury hotels and vibrant casino industry, is experiencing a surge in hotel bookings. According to official data from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), the hotel occupancy rate in H1 2025 reached an impressive 89.1%, a 5.1 percentage point increase compared to the same period in 2024. In August 2025, occupancy further increased to 92.9%, highlighting the growing demand for hotel rooms in this bustling city.
Macao’s strong hotel performance is largely driven by the luxury and gaming sectors, which attract high-spending international visitors. The city’s position as the gambling capital of Asia, combined with its appeal as a luxury destination, makes it a key player in the global hotel market. The growing number of visitors to Macao is a clear indicator that the city’s tourism industry is thriving.
While the occupancy rates in Macao are already high, the continued growth of the gaming and luxury sectors will likely fuel even higher demand for hotel rooms in the future. As more high-end resorts and hotels open in the coming years, Macao’s hotel market will continue to benefit from a steady stream of visitors looking for a world-class experience.
India: A Booming Hotel Industry with Huge Potential
India is experiencing a rapid recovery in its hotel sector. Reports from the hospitality industry show that hotel occupancy in FY 2024-2025 reached 68%, a solid increase compared to previous years. The country’s hotel market is expected to grow further in FY 2025, with occupancy rates continuing to rise and more hotels being built to meet growing demand.
India’s hotel industry is benefiting from an increasing number of domestic and international travellers. The country’s vast and diverse tourism offerings, from the cultural heritage of Rajasthan to the beaches of Goa, make it a top destination for travellers looking to explore different parts of the world’s second-most populous country.
As more international tourists visit India, the demand for hotel rooms will continue to grow. India’s hotel market shows great promise for the future, and it is likely to become one of the world’s most important hotel markets in the coming years.
Why These Countries Are Seeing Hotel Booking Growth in 2025
The countries mentioned above are seeing strong growth in hotel bookings for several reasons. Let’s break them down:
- Increased Tourist Arrivals: Many of these destinations are seeing a rise in international visitors. Greece, for example, is attracting more tourists, which is reflected in the rise in hotel bookings. Similarly, Macao’s strong performance is driven by the influx of high-spending tourists from around the world, particularly from mainland China.
- Improved Quality of Hotel Offerings: In places like Saudi Arabia and India, the increase in hotel bookings is tied to the growing number of luxury hotels and international hotel chains. These higher-quality offerings are attracting more international visitors, contributing to the rise in hotel bookings.
- Government Initiatives: Many of these countries have made concerted efforts to promote tourism. For instance, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative aims to diversify the country’s economy and boost its tourism sector. Similarly, Greece’s continued focus on improving its tourism infrastructure has contributed to the growth in hotel bookings.
- Rising Income Levels: As the global economy continues to recover, many people are able to travel more freely. In India and Saudi Arabia, rising incomes and the increasing middle class are contributing to the demand for hotels.
- Attractive Destinations: All of these countries have something unique to offer. Greece’s islands are some of the most beautiful in the world, Spain is famous for its rich cultural history, and Saudi Arabia is becoming a major religious and historical tourism destination. These attractions drive travellers to book hotel rooms in these countries.
The Future of Hotel Bookings: What’s Next?
Looking ahead, hotel bookings in these countries will likely continue to rise in 2025 and beyond. As more people return to travel after the pandemic, demand for hotel rooms will increase. Additionally, the continued development of tourism infrastructure, including new hotels, resorts, and attractions, will help accommodate the growing number of visitors.
For destinations like Greece and Spain, this growth represents a return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism, while for places like Saudi Arabia and India, it signals the beginning of a new era of tourism development. Macao, with its thriving luxury and gaming sectors, will likely see further growth in high-end tourism.
The future is bright for these countries and their hotel industries. With strong demand, continued investment in infrastructure, and attractive offerings for tourists, hotel bookings are set to continue growing in 2025 and beyond.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the global hotel industry is experiencing significant growth in 2025, with countries like Greece, India, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Macao leading the way. The rise in hotel bookings is a clear sign that the travel and tourism industry is bouncing back, driven by increasing tourist arrivals, improved hotel offerings, and strong government support for tourism.
As travellers look for new and exciting destinations, these countries are well-positioned to continue their growth in the coming years. Whether it’s the islands of Greece, the bustling streets of India, or the luxury of Macao, these destinations offer something special for every type of traveller. With the hotel industry booming, 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for global tourism.
Source: Tornos News

