Which travel stocks should you choose in 2025? Here are 9 that you should keep a close watch on.

Market Context for Travel in 2025: Opportunities and Challenges

After the world recovers from the impacts of COVID-19, the global travel market is reaching new heights, especially in the Asia region. According to WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council), in April 2025, international travel expenditures are expected to hit a record high of $2.1 trillion.

However, Skift Research has revised down its growth forecast for travel stocks to only 2-5% due to risks from a US economic recession and concerns over import tax measures. Nonetheless, consumer travel demand remains strong, with a value exceeding $1.35 trillion in the US alone.

How to Select Smart Travel Stocks

Managing a suitable travel stock portfolio should not be done randomly. A Top-Down Approach should be used as follows:

Step 1: Analyze the macroeconomic situation
Check whether the global and local economies are entering a boom or slowdown, as travel is an industry dependent on wealth and consumer spending power.

Step 2: Follow industry trends
Study traveler behavior, booking patterns, and increased use of technology in travel planning processes.

Step 3: Assess competition
Travel businesses with less competition tend to have higher profit opportunities.

Step 4: Examine financial health
The more a company has buffers against risks like pandemics and economic uncertainties, the more confident you can be in holding its stock.

Step 5: Check adaptability
Companies that are smart enough to follow trends and utilize AI technology to improve customer experience are more likely to generate ongoing revenue.

9 Travel Stocks to Watch in 2025

1. TCOM - Trip.com Group Limited: Asia’s Booking Platform

Trip.com is a Chinese tech company listed on NASDAQ since 1999. Its services include flights, hotel bookings, car rentals, and comprehensive tour packages. After the recovery of the Chinese and Asian travel markets, the company is expanding internationally and has increased AI usage to enhance booking experiences.

• Current Price: $66.38
• Market Cap: $43.45 billion USD
• Forward P/E: 15.98x
• Price Target: $95.06 (66% growth potential)

2. RCL - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd: Leader in Sea Travel

Founded in 1968, Royal Caribbean is a leader in cruise ships, operating 67 vessels. The company aims to build technologically advanced ships with premium service. Q1/2025 results show EPS of $2.71 and a quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share.

• Current Price: $251.36
• Market Cap: $68.26 billion USD
• Forward P/E: 20.81x
• Price Target: $272.78

3. DIS - The Walt Disney Company: Combining Travel and Entertainment

Disney is not just a travel stock; it generates revenue from theme parks, hotels, movies, and streaming. In Q2/2025, it reported EPS of $1.45, revenue up 7%, and Disney+ membership increased by 1.4 million. This indicates the company is advancing on multiple fronts.

• Current Price: $112.94
• Market Cap: $203.24 billion USD
• Forward P/E: 22.75x
• Price Target: $126.83

4. BKNG - Booking Holdings Inc: Booking Powerhouse

Formerly Priceline, Booking Holdings operates in 2.7 million lodging locations worldwide, with brands like Booking.com, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable. Q1/2025 revenue increased by 8%, and EPS grew by 22%, exceeding analyst expectations.

• Current Price: $5,216.55
• Market Cap: $169.75 billion USD
• Forward P/E: 32.74x
• Price Target: $5,324.48

( 5. MAR - Marriott International: Global Hotel Power

Founded by J. Willard Marriott in 1927, Marriott is the largest hotel chain globally. In Q1/2025, RevPAR (average room revenue per night) increased by 4.1% worldwide, with a 6.3% dividend increase and expansion of luxury brands in the Asia-Pacific market.

• Current Price: $272.59
• Market Cap: $74.66 billion USD
• Forward P/E: 31.22x
• Price Target: $276.60

) 6. CCL - Carnival Corporation & plc: Cruise Booking Giant

Carnival owns over 10 cruise brands. Post-COVID restructuring is underway, and in 2025, the company is recovering with strong advance bookings and new energy-efficient ships.

• Current Price: $22.99
• Market Cap: $29.87 billion USD
• Forward P/E: 15.14x
• Price Target: $24.75

7. UBER - Uber Technologies: Transport and Travel Combined

Uber is no longer just a ride-hailing service; it has evolved into a flexible transportation platform related to travel. Q1/2025 shows EPS of $0.83, with over 150 million monthly users. The company is expanding into autonomous vehicles.

• Current Price: $90.41
• Market Cap: $189.06 billion USD
• Forward P/E: 15.99x
• Price Target: $96.95

( 8. EXPE - Expedia Group, Inc: From Microsoft to the World

Founded by Microsoft in 1996, Expedia makes travel information accessible. Its major brands include Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Vrbo, and Travelocity, offering comprehensive booking systems. Q1/2025 shows a 6% increase in room bookings and a recent quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share.

• Current Price: $169.22
• Market Cap: $21.51 billion USD
• Forward P/E: 19.95x
• Price Target: $184.08

) 9. UAL - United Airlines Holdings: Flying Toward the Future

United Airlines is a US carrier with hubs in multiple cities. In Q1/2025, it maintains an EPS forecast of $11.50–$13.50 for the year. Despite economic concerns, its international routes and premium markets remain strong.

• Current Price: $78.99
• Market Cap: $25.80 billion USD
• Forward P/E: 7.53x
• Price Target: $106.08

Financial Ratios Comparison Table

What Type of Travel Stocks Should You Choose?

( Online Booking Platforms
Companies like Booking Holdings and Expedia benefit from large user networks and technological efficiencies. Although valuations may be high, Barclays sees long-term potential in Booking Holdings.

) Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean and Carnival are steadily recovering, with Carnival having high growth potential once the crisis passes.

( Diversified Business Companies
Disney benefits from revenue diversification across multiple channels, reducing risk.

) Niche Markets
Trip.com benefits from Asia’s recovery, especially China.

How to Invest in Travel Stocks in 2025

Method 1: Buying Actual Stocks via Brokerage Apps

For Thai investors wanting true ownership, follow these steps:

1. Download the app and verify your identity through your service provider.
2. Transfer funds and exchange currency.
3. Place buy orders when prices are attractive.

This method grants full shareholder rights, such as dividends, but requires full investment capital.

Method 2: Trading Derivatives ###CFD###

Trading CFDs allows investors to profit from both rising and falling prices, using less capital and enjoying high liquidity.

Sample steps:

1. Register an account ###can be opened in 3 minutes with just $50###
2. Deposit funds via QR code or bank transfer.
3. Search for stocks like ABNB or other travel stocks.
4. Set position size and contracts, including Take Profit and Stop Loss.

This approach suits short-term investors and those using leverage, but risks are higher accordingly.

Summary

Travel stocks remain attractive investment options in 2025 for several reasons: recovery in travel demand, technological enhancements, and growth in the Asian travel market.

Despite risks such as potential economic downturns and tax policy changes, careful stock selection and understanding of each company’s fundamentals can lead to sustainable profits in this sector.

Whether investing in actual stocks or derivatives, the key is to study information, set strategies, and manage risks appropriately.