As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to pause and reflect on what has been another monumental year for travel—and for those of us fortunate enough to be part of this fantastic, ever-evolving industry.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: this year has been exhausting. The ripple effects of the past three years have kept us all on our toes, and world events have not exactly made things easier. Yet here we are—an industry defined by resilience, fuelled by curiosity, coffee and camaraderie, and always finding ways to make what we do genuinely meaningful.

Working in travel isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. It’s about creating connections, enabling life-changing experiences, and helping people see the world in new and transformative ways. And at the heart of it all is something extraordinary: you.

Our industry is built by and for people. Airliners, itineraries, experiences, hotels—even AI—are all created by people, for people. Whichever way you look at it, this industry is powered by human passion, care, kindness, innovation, and creativity. Without you, there is no travel industry. It’s as simple as that.

So, please take a moment to pat yourself on the back because, again, you’ve earned it. Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved in 2024. From rebuilding businesses to fostering collaboration and propelling innovation and people’s dreams, you’ve kept the spirit of travel alive and thriving—even when sometimes the odds weren’t in your favour.

Sky’s the Limit, Baby

The numbers don’t lie. In 2024, the travel sector was a powerhouse for the global economy, contributing a staggering US$11.1 trillion (about AU$16.8 trillion). Travel isn’t just about Instagrammable destinations; it’s about livelihoods and economies, big and small.

In Australia, the cruise industry made serious waves this year, adding $8.43 billion to the economy and supporting over 26,000 jobs. This is an excellent reminder that travel creates often unseen opportunities far beyond the itinerary.

And then there was Tay Tay, whose record-breaking Eras Tour wasn’t just a cultural phenomenon; it was an economic juggernaut. Virgin Australia saw a 656% jump in bookings to Melbourne and Sydney after tickets were released, and Melbourne hotels hit record occupancy rates. If 2024 proved anything, it’s that travel and live events can pack one heck of a punch—for audiences and destinations alike.

This year also saw the meteoric rise of AI. Tools like ChatGPT—barely a concept this time last year—have become deeply embedded in our workflows and conversations. While undeniably a game-changer for efficiency, personalisation and creativity, AI raises critical and ethical questions about balancing innovation with authenticity in an industry built on human connection. At its best, AI will enhance what we do. But it can’t replace the personal touch, real-world expertise, and empathy that define servicing travel.

Looking to the future

As we approach the new year, there’s much to be hopeful about. When it comes to the (credit) crunch, spending on experiences over material possessions is valued higher, and Australians are tipped to travel internationally in unprecedented numbers in 2025. Indonesia and Japan remain firm favourites, and even despite the cost of living crisis, 43 per cent of Aussies said they plan to increase their travel spending next year in a recent survey—even before any potential interest rate cuts sweeten the deal (fingers crossed for February, Santa). Air capacity is finally back, and with it, airfares are heading in the right (Southerly) direction again, ready for the next wave of explorers.

But while the growth of travel is exciting, we must address the fact that it is currently unsustainable. 2024 sadly saw the return of overtourism and the subsequent backlash in many parts of Europe. As an industry reliant on the beauty and stability of our planet, we need to recognise that the climate crisis—rather than AI or any other innovation—poses the greatest threat we face.

In 2025, our mindsets must shift to combining both sustainability and regeneration via actions that restore and enhance the ecosystems and communities we impact, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore a world worth travelling to. If we can all do 1 per cent more than in 2024, the net result will add up to so much good. But we can only do it together.

The year has also been a sobering reminder that the planet can be far from an easy place to live. From the devastating conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to ongoing struggles in Syria and Sudan, we’ve seen the fragility of peace laid bare. Travel has the power to bridge these divides, fostering compassion, understanding, and connection—things the world needs now more than ever.

Let’s a take a moment

Before the whirlwind of another year begins, I hope you can take a moment to rest, reflect, and recharge. Despite what outsiders might think, as we know, working in travel isn’t for the faint-hearted. It can often be relentless—balancing long-term planning, navigating uncertainty, and frequently making personal sacrifices to keep the wheels (and paychecks) turning. But for all its challenges, it’s an incredibly rewarding career in countless ways and one I especially feel privileged to be a part of.

So, take pride in what you’ve accomplished this year. The wins, the fun, the friendships, the connections, and the transformations you’ve helped create. These are the precious moments that matter.

Thank you, 2024 and here’s to 2025

2025 will mark another milestone for us at Karryon as we enter our 12th year of operations. In 2024, Karryon.com.au reached 1.7 million people—a result we’re immensely proud of as an independently owned (and free!) travel trade publication.

This achievement has also led to us again being the most visited travel trade site in Australia in 2024, as ranked and audited by the global standard Similarweb. And we’re still just getting started.

Together, we’ve built a community that celebrates travel and the people who make it happen. We’re so grateful to have shared this journey with you—our readers, partners, and friends.

On behalf of all of us at Karryon, here’s to you, the Australian travel industry. Thank you for your passion, perseverance, and support in 2024.

Wishing you a restful, joyful holiday season and a 2025 filled with promise, purpose, and transformation.

Because in travel, as in life, love is actually all around.

See you on the road (or at the airport).

Matt and the team at Karryon.

READ: Karryon’s top 24 stories of 2024 here.

Ps. The hero image was made thanks to Gen-AI.