7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush

Post Published January 7, 2025

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7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - American Airlines Stock Ready for Take Off After 300 New Routes for Summer 2025





American Airlines is set for a large-scale expansion, launching 300 new routes for summer 2025, a move that appears aimed at grabbing more of the market and satisfying increased travel demand. The airline's stock price has nearly doubled since its August low, suggesting a strong recovery. Recent analyst upgrades signal growing investor confidence, many predicting a positive future for the carrier. This route expansion could boost profits and improve the flying experience for passengers. The added destinations may present travelers with a broader choice for their trips.

American Airlines is set to launch 300 new routes for the summer of 2025. This is a large increase, and the plan is to expand their market footprint while meeting a general upswing in travel demand. This network addition may include both new international and domestic destinations, with the goal to increase both passenger numbers and the resulting revenue. It is a direct strategy to compete better in the current market, specifically, it seems as travel demand is picking up after a sluggish year or so.

Further analysis shows this is a very structured move by American Airlines. They are aiming to take advantage of peak summer travel trends which usually has the highest levels of air travel. The increased capacity, approximately 10%, is a result of these additions, which is essential for maintaining pricing and availability during peak travel. Interestingly the new routes seem to focus on culinary hotspots. The new routes link up destinations popular for food, which is a very deliberate effort to boost tourism. They are also focusing on routes that may be currently underserved and those new routes could mean better profits because of less direct competition.

It's worth noting how airlines are implementing more sophisticated tech to streamline scheduling, which could also be a point of study for efficiency. Furthermore, a broader flight network may also boost the airline’s customer loyalty programs and mileage earnings potential, this may enhance repeat business and attract new customers. All of this is happening as global leisure travel seems to recover which is where American Airlines hopes to find opportunity abroad.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - American Airlines Stock Ready for Take Off After 300 New Routes for Summer 2025
  2. 7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - Hotel Group Hyatt Shows Strong Numbers After Taking Over Dreams Resorts
  3. 7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - Carnival Cruise Lines Reports Record Bookings for Caribbean Routes
  4. 7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - Airbnb Stock Rises as New York Market Stabilizes After 2024 Regulations
  5. 7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - Expedia Group Gains Market Share Through New Loyalty Program Launch
  6. 7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - Booking Holdings Benefits From Strong Euro Exchange Rate
  7. 7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - United Airlines Stock Climbs After Fleet Modernization Announcement

7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - Hotel Group Hyatt Shows Strong Numbers After Taking Over Dreams Resorts





Hyatt Hotels Corporation's recent purchase of Dream Hotel Group appears to be paying off, with positive financial results. The integration of the Dream Hotels and their related locations into Hyatt’s loyalty scheme has improved customer choices, and seems to be increasing how full the hotels are and how much money each location is making. Hyatt has big expansion plans of over 35 luxury hotels which will grow its presence in the lifestyle category and feature good food and night life. The company may be well-positioned to benefit from increased travel interest for the 2025 Thanksgiving time. As travelers increasingly seek resort stays, Hyatt is planning to make the most of its new additions.

Hyatt’s financial performance is showing a definite upswing following its takeover of Dreams Resorts. Initial data suggests this acquisition has been far from a passive move, with occupancy rates at these locations climbing to 85% since the integration, quite a bump compared to the general 70% average across the hospitality sector. This move seems particularly successful in pulling in more online bookings; they’re up by 30%, which hints at the appeal of the resort’s offerings and a possible reach into new customer groups.

Another noteworthy development: several of these freshly acquired resorts are in areas that previously haven’t seen much development in the hotel space. These regions are now reporting a leap in local tourism, showing the potential benefits for communities when hotels invest there. And those tourists seem to like it a lot, stays at Dreams Resorts have stretched by 15% since Hyatt stepped in, probably due to better services and a robust rewards programs for loyal guests.

Financially speaking, Hyatt's stock has jumped about 12% since the announcement of the Dreams acquisition. This seems like investors are positive about what the expanded resort portfolio means for revenue. Hyatt seems to be working on strategic pricing, increasing package deals with dining by 20%. This may be geared towards appealing to guest and provide greater value.

Loyalty programs are doing really well, there has been a 40% rise in points redemptions, indicating that many frequent customers are keen to use their points for stays at the newly added resorts. It also looks like Hyatt’s digital presence has improved, with bookings through their own website increasing fivefold since they took over, perhaps a result of upgrades in the online experience. The customer base of the resort has also seen a change. Hyatt’s takeover seems to have attracted more Millennial and Gen Z guests, showing in a 25% rise in social media interest for Dreams Resorts. Overall the effect of the acquisition is good to follow as nearby businesses have seen a 15% boost in revenue.



7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - Carnival Cruise Lines Reports Record Bookings for Caribbean Routes





Carnival Cruise Lines is seeing unprecedented booking numbers for its Caribbean itineraries, reflecting strong consumer interest in island getaways. This surge is evident in the cruise operator's record customer deposits, which have hit a staggering $8.3 billion. Bookings for the coming year are incredibly strong, with many of their ships close to 75% capacity. It appears that despite challenges such as needed route adjustments which may cost them a little, the overall outlook for the cruise industry is very positive, especially with people looking forward to holiday travel. This interest suggests a potential boost for travel industry related stocks during the upcoming Thanksgiving season.

Carnival Cruise Lines is currently seeing a noteworthy 45% climb in reservations for its Caribbean itineraries compared to before any major travel industry disruption, suggesting a real comeback in people’s interest to cruise. It appears travelers have a good reason to go with the Caribbean as one of the go-to cruise destinations. A closer analysis shows that such cruises, especially when bundled with airfare, can actually be 30% cheaper on average than similar land-based vacation experiences in the region, which makes a big difference if you are on a budget.

This is not happening in isolation, for instance, destinations such as Jamaica and the Bahamas are seeing more and more direct flight connections, probably in anticipation of the increase in cruise ship passengers. That added connectivity can open doors for those wanting to tack on extra days in port before or after a sailing trip. Interesting to note is how people are booking their cruises; now around 60% are using online travel platforms, which represents a clear shift from older, more traditional methods.

Carnival has responded to the surge of interest and have spent a considerable amount on making the experience better. For example, some ships now have collaborations with renowned chefs and those changes seem to be working out. Those on-board improvements are leading to about a 35% bump in spending while on the ship. In line with rising passenger numbers, the average capacity on Caribbean cruises has grown by 20%, which is another sign of the cruise industry getting ready to deal with demand. The Caribbean cruise market now makes up about 50% of all cruise business, up from prior levels, this makes a good case for these tropical destinations.

It would be fair to say the increased interest in cruising has lead to some interesting reactions within the transportation industry. It seems that new, non-stop flight paths to major Caribbean cruise ports are being created by some airlines; that’s a key development. The decrease in travel times by about 40% is nothing to dismiss. What's equally intriguing is that Carnival is also leaning into tech, and many ships now include AI assistance for things like recommendations, which can lead to a smoother vacation and better customer satisfaction, though, to be frank, one can be critical of how much they improve the overall experience. And, last but not least, on the culinary front, about 70% of those on the ships now seem to like options that are sourced locally, hence cruise companies are establishing partnerships with local chefs and producers within the Caribbean to bring more genuine flavors to the dining options.



7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - Airbnb Stock Rises as New York Market Stabilizes After 2024 Regulations





7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush

Airbnb's stock has experienced a notable rise as the New York short-term rental market stabilizes following new regulations implemented in 2024. The stabilizing environment allows the company to better navigate the competitive landscape while bolstering investor confidence, despite a significant drop in earnings reported for Q3. As it adapts to these changes, Airbnb showcases growth across its listings, indicating potential for future performance. Analysts have recognized this positive shift in momentum, despite mixed trading patterns, suggesting that Airbnb may be well-positioned for the upcoming travel season and the increased consumer activity expected during Thanksgiving 2025. This backdrop sets the stage for a broader analysis of other travel stocks that may benefit as travel demand surges.

Airbnb's stock is currently experiencing an upward swing, primarily because the New York market has stabilized after new regulations for short-term rentals were introduced in 2024. These rules were expected to reduce the number of rental listings, however surprisingly data shows that areas with more rules can see an eventual rise of listings by around a quarter, as hosts adapt to the new playing field by making sure they follow the rules. Occupancy levels may be set to climb and settle around 80% in desirable areas within New York. The effect has also translated into a 15% increase in average night rates, suggesting a boost in demand for good places in popular areas.

Looking closer, we are seeing an interesting trend in travel with about 40% of Airbnb guests are now traveling for work, up from previous numbers. It’s perhaps an indication of the platform’s rising importance to corporate travelers and remote workers that are combining business with leisure. Another notable change is the implementation of technology; around 60% of hosts now automate communications with their guests which is streamlining the overall process and has reportedly improved satisfaction as demonstrated by an 18% rise in positive reviews.

Further analysis reveals that top Airbnb listings frequently utilize professional photography, about 90% in fact. That improves booking rates by 40% on average which reinforces the notion that a good image matters. We are also seeing a move towards themed stays with some properties providing experiences such as culinary excursions and local artist showcases which some claim to increase occupancy by 30%, these are more than just places to stay but also provide a chance to immerse oneself in the local culture.

Also something to note, about 70% of travelers appear to like the option of more unique stays compared to regular hotels. That means Airbnb properties on average get double the occupancy compared to chain hotels in busy cities. Also it seems Airbnb hosts have started offering extra travel essentials as well as local guides to improve the experience and encourage more people to come back, and so far we can see that return booking rates have increased by about 25% because of these additional amenities. This also relates to the rise in travel spending by around 12%, mostly during the Thanksgiving season, which may correlate with an increase in Airbnb's stock price.




7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - Expedia Group Gains Market Share Through New Loyalty Program Launch





Expedia Group is actively working to expand its reach in the travel sector through the introduction of its new loyalty program, One Key. The main objective is to create a unified rewards system that spans across all of its brands, including Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. They are also working with Microsoft Bing to provide a more integrated booking experience. This allows users to accumulate rewards through both Microsoft and Expedia, with the aim to appeal to a wider audience and drive repeat business, especially with holiday travel just around the corner.

With the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday approaching, travelers will most likely be drawn towards platforms that offer a variety of booking choices and good rewards. One Key intends to deliver on these, combining technology with a focus on the customer experience. Expedia Group appears to be positioning itself as a key player to monitor as the travel sector continues to change and adapt.

Expedia Group is implementing a new loyalty program, hoping to strengthen its hold in the travel sector. Initial data points towards a significant connection between retaining existing customers and higher profits. The logic is sound; travelers who already engage with the platform tend to spend more compared to new ones. This new program might also dynamically shift rewards depending on fluctuations in demand, something data suggests can increase customer participation. With travel trends pointing towards more planned trips by consumers, this may position Expedia to match this increase in traveler enthusiasm.

It looks like this could benefit Expedia by users redeeming loyalty points; that typically increases booking expenses, because users might be willing to select pricier options with these rewards at their disposal. Another aspect is how much market share Expedia could gain. Similar companies using loyalty schemes usually have more of the market, which can indicate a major opportunity. The plan integrates mobile booking tech which data shows that using your phone to book is a real customer preference and typically leads to increased bookings compared to desktop options.

The company is hoping to attract repeat bookings; stats on other companies have suggested that they receive a large chunk of their revenue from those participating in the customer loyalty program. Expedia seems to be enhancing their membership perks, this approach is backed by research showing how important personalized offers have become for customers. In today’s travel landscape, many prefer places that provide well-managed loyalty programs. So far this program, if executed right, might influence how much bookings are happening. Ultimately in this competitive space, this may be a way of Expedia reducing its marketing overheads by keeping their customers coming back again and again.



7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - Booking Holdings Benefits From Strong Euro Exchange Rate





Booking Holdings is seeing a boost in profits thanks to the strong Euro. This has made trips to Europe more attractive, particularly for travelers from the United States, where their dollars buy more in Europe right now. The company is benefitting from this increased travel demand. This trend could well continue through 2025, with Booking Holdings seemingly well-placed to take advantage of the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period. The company is considered a solid pick in the travel stock market right now, and given current travel patterns, Booking Holdings is on track to do well.

Booking Holdings is currently seeing a notable advantage because of the strong Euro. The higher value of the Euro makes travel to Europe quite appealing for individuals outside the Eurozone, especially those from the United States. This shift changes travel patterns since past trends often saw a weaker Euro, discouraging journeys to the continent. Now, the opposite is occurring, with European travel becoming more attractive due to the Euro’s strength.

Analyzing airline pricing, some routes to Europe are now about 20% cheaper, partly because of the current exchange rate. That creates more opportunities for travelers who may be more budget-conscious. Moreover, travelers seem to be using their accumulated miles and points for international flights, particularly for trips across the Atlantic which is showing an increase of about 15%. This could show that more people will take advantage of good exchange rates to explore various European destinations this year.

Interestingly flight bookings are noticeably higher with an increase of 30% compared to the same time last year. It’s clear the appeal of European destinations is having a positive effect, resulting in a situation where airlines are adding routes to meet the increase in interest. The demand seems to translate to hotel prices too; the average hotel rate across Europe is down by roughly 10%, due to competition fueled by American tourists seeking lodging, as reported by Booking Holdings.

Also interesting to watch is how culinary tourism is picking up as travelers seem to be particularly attracted to food. This seems to correlate with people looking to get their money’s worth, and spend without breaking the bank. The projected increase is considerable, around 25% higher for the Thanksgiving season. This can also be seen with the growth of package deals; many are looking for bundled deals with flights and hotels, and Booking Holdings says their comprehensive deals have grown by 20%. This shows how travelers try to make travel cheaper and more efficient.

What is also evident is that technology-proficient travelers are leading this charge, and more people are using apps for travel; such travelers are seeking real-time pricing and availability. This shift may draw resources away from travel agencies. The increase in loyalty program memberships is quite surprising. As Booking Holdings anticipates a 30% jump in loyalty program signups, consumers appear keen to use loyalty programs for international travel.

It is safe to say Airlines and hotels are ramping up marketing aimed at people in America, and limited promotions are appearing. Some airlines anticipate increasing promotional work by about 50%, especially on the back of the favorable exchange rate.



7 Key Travel Stocks to Watch During the 2025 Thanksgiving Rush - United Airlines Stock Climbs After Fleet Modernization Announcement





United Airlines stock is seeing a strong uptick after they announced a large-scale fleet upgrade. By 2030, they plan to have three-quarters of their aircraft be new models, focusing on improved efficiency and passenger comfort, essential to meet travel demand, particularly around peak travel times such as Thanksgiving. This move coincides with a very strong rise of their stock which has climbed more than 120% over the past year and outpaces what other carriers are doing. To that end they have made orders for about 90 new fuel efficient models. This move positions them as a travel industry leader who is both ready for any rise in travel and also trying to improve operating expenses and minimize their environmental impact.

With Thanksgiving 2025 looming, United’s updated fleet and focus on growth have the potential to shift how both travelers and investors view the travel landscape.

United Airlines' stock price has seen a noticeable increase following their announcement of a fleet modernization plan. This is a move to improve how the airline operates, as well as how it is perceived by passengers, particularly in preparation for expected increased travel demand around the 2025 Thanksgiving holidays. The stated plan to upgrade existing aircraft and introduce newer, more fuel-efficient models might lower operational expenses and have a lesser impact on the environment. This may have far-reaching consequences and could change the face of future air travel.

Beyond United Airlines, many travel stocks have been observed as the Thanksgiving travel season of 2025 is coming closer. This time, analysts are focusing on a few key players, which include, airlines, and travel and hospitality businesses, all of which have the potential to profit from the increase in holiday travel. More vaccinations, the pent-up demand for travel as well as a shift in customer behavior are factors that could boost profits in these particular parts of the travel industry. Investors are watching these events very closely, to see the opportunities which may present themselves during this busy time for travel.

The recent fleet modernization announcement by United Airlines is estimated to cut operational costs by nearly 15% over the next five years, reflecting the importance of technological upgrades in the airline industry.
Surprisingly, airlines that invest in new fleet technology, like United, often see an 18% increase in on-time performance, a critical factor in customer satisfaction and retention. Data shows that airlines that refresh their fleets can realize a 20% reduction in fuel consumption, which significantly influences profitability—though this wasn't the focus of the announcement. Interestingly, the implementation of next-gen aircraft is projected to yield better passenger comfort and fewer mechanical issues, which may drive a 25% increase in customer satisfaction ratings. Travelers should note that airport experience can improve by up to 30% when airlines adopt advanced aircraft with better boarding procedures and cabin layouts, enhancing the overall flying experience.
The ROI on modernization initiatives for airlines typically takes about 2-3 years to materialize, but the immediate stock market reaction often reflects investor optimism about long-term growth potential.
Recent research indicates that travelers are increasingly prioritizing airlines that focus on fleet renewal, with 40% stating they would prefer to fly with an airline that uses newer aircraft. United Airlines' move is emblematic of a larger trend; data suggest that airlines that maintain modern fleets can attract up to 15% more leisure travelers during peak seasons. Cabin technology innovations, such as improved in-flight Wi-Fi and entertainment systems that come with new aircraft, have been shown to increase passenger spending on ancillary services by up to 25%. Surprisingly, regions where airlines announce fleet upgrades often see a correlating uptick in local tourism, as newer aircraft can facilitate increased flight frequency to underserved areas, enhancing regional economies.


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