Global rise in flexible bookings: how geopolitical tensions are changing traveller behaviour
The rise in bookings with refund options is changing the game in tourism – here's what it means for agencies, airlines, car rental companies, and destinations
Geopolitical tensions, from border skirmishes to plane crashes, are increasingly impacting the global travel market. In 2025, a trend is becoming increasingly apparent: tourists are increasingly choosing refundable bookings. Such behaviour is no longer an exception – it’s becoming the new normal.
35% more flexible bookings: safety becomes a priority
According to the latest industry reports, the number of flexible flight bookings has increased by 35% in 2025. years. Reasons? Increasing security threats, such as tensions on the Thailand-Cambodia border and heightened caution after aviation incidents. Travellers want a safety net – the ability to change plans without significant cost.
The number of such reservations is particularly growing in USA, Europe, Australia and India, with a strong interest in longer and more complex journeys to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Geopolitics dictates trends
Conflicts like the one on the Thai-Cambodian border, although localised, have wider consequences – they cause waves of insecurity even in regions not directly affected. Although destinations like Bangkok and Phuket are safe, the global media coverage affects travellers’ perceptions and behaviour.
Agencies, airlines and hotels reacted quickly – flexible terms are becoming the norm, and rigid cancellation policies are increasingly seen as a barrier to bookings.
The largest growth recorded in:
- SAD – passengers are increasingly choosing refund options for international flights.
- UK, Germany and France – concern about global tensions has increased demand for flexibility.
- South-East Asia Tourists are looking for flexible itineraries for Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.
- Australia – international guests are increasingly choosing flexible travel to Sydney and Melbourne.
Technology and agencies as allies
Online platforms like Booking.com, Expedia and Skyscanner they quickly adapted the user experience flexible travel filters, clear cancellation terms and additional insurance services become standard.
Travel agencies actively offer packages with flexible rules, making deals with hotels and carriers for simpler, no-cost changes.
Flexible bookings are on the one hand helped maintain tourism in unstable conditions. Passengers are still booking – but with a safety net.
On the other hand, such a model presents a challenge for Income and planning. Airlines and hotels struggle to predict demand and manage capacity. Prices for flexible options therefore rise, and conditions for these are further specified.
The trend for flexible bookings is not temporary. It's a reflection of a changed world, in which security, trust and customisability Key factors in making travel decisions.
For the industry, that means one thing: those who offer transparent, customisable options it will be the first choice for travellers. According to experts, “travellers are no longer just looking for a destination – they are looking for safety, control, and freedom of choice.”.
