Airbnb, Marriott, Delta, Ryanair, GetYourGuide, uye Eurostar Pakati peMakadhi Echipo Anonyanya Kushandiswa Kufamba muna 2025.

Chitatu, Kurume 12, 2025

Travel gift cards have become an increasingly popular choice for travelers looking for flexible and hassle-free ways to book accommodations, flights, and experiences. According to recent market insights, Airbnb, Marriott, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, GetYourGuide, and Eurostar are among the most commonly used travel gift cards in 2025, reflecting a growing consumer shift toward experience-based gifting. Other frequently redeemed options include Hotels.com, Best Western, Southwest Airlines, Amtrak, and Viator’s Global Experiences Card, covering a broad spectrum of travel, lodging, and activity-based experiences worldwide.

Why Travel Gift Cards Are Gaining Popularity
Government data from tourism and economic agencies indicate that prepaid travel solutions are now a key component of the tourism industry, helping travelers manage expenses and secure bookings more conveniently. The trend aligns with broader shifts in cashless payments and digital transaction preferences, supported by travel incentives in major economies.

Key Highlights from the 2025 Travel Gift Card Market
Accommodation and Lodging:

Airbnb gift cards remain among the top choices for flexible short-term stays, particularly for digital nomads and vacationers seeking home rentals worldwide.
Marriott and Hotels.com gift cards continue to dominate hotel bookings, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
Flights and Transportation:

Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines gift cards lead in airline redemptions, offering travelers a convenient way to cover domestic and international flights.
Ryanair and Eurostar gift cards have gained traction in Europe, allowing travelers to book flights and rail journeys across multiple destinations.
Amtrak gift cards remain a popular choice for train travel in the U.S., particularly for commuters and long-distance travelers.
Experiences and Activities:

GetYourGuide and Viator’s Global Experiences Card are among the most commonly used gift cards for tours, attractions, and cultural experiences, reinforcing the trend of travelers preferring memorable activities over traditional gifts.
Shifting Consumer Behavior: When and How Travel Gift Cards Are Used
Tourism data suggests that travel gift card redemptions peak in the first quarter of the year, as recipients of holiday gifts turn them into actual travel plans. Studies show that:

Older travelers (55+) increasingly use gift cards for hotel stays and packaged vacations.
Younger travelers (18-24) lead in gift card usage for experiences, adventure activities, and local tours.
Gift cards also offer financial flexibility, enabling travelers to prepay travel expenses or use partial balances over time. Digital gift cards, which are often more customizable and easier to redeem than physical versions, now dominate the market.

Zvinetso uye Ramangwana Maonero
While travel gift cards provide convenience, availability remains an issue with some providers. Certain platforms, such as Booking.com, FlixBus, and Greyhound, have introduced restrictions or discontinued traditional gift card offerings, opting for alternative credit-based systems instead.

Looking ahead, travel gift cards are expected to remain a key trend in the tourism industry, with more companies integrating digital gifting solutions and expanding their redemption options. As travelers continue to prioritize flexibility and experience-based spending, the demand for travel gift cards is only set to grow.

Image: Ryanair Group