Thai My Travel: 9 Travel Stocks Expected to Rise in 2025-2026

When the world recovers from the pandemic, the travel market has rebounded strongly, especially in Asia, making travel stocks a focus for investors worldwide. Travel is no longer just an industry; it involves airlines, hotels, online booking services, and transportation services, offering many options for those interested in this sector.

Traveling into the Modern Era - Why These Stocks Are Worth Watching

According to WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council), by 2025, the travel industry will generate an economic value of $11.7 trillion (about 10.3% of global GDP). International tourist spending will reach a record high of $2.1 trillion, surpassing pre-COVID levels in 2019.

What’s different now is that modern travelers don’t just choose accommodations and flights; they seek diverse experiences like cruises, niche activities, and convenient online booking. This creates growth opportunities across various travel stocks.

How to Professionally Select Travel Stocks: 7 Steps Every Investor Should Know

When choosing travel stocks, investors should use a Top-Down Approach, analyzing from macroeconomic levels down to individual companies:

1. Economic Conditions – Travel grows during economic booms, so early expansion phases are ideal times.

2. Industry Trends – Follow consumer behaviors such as airline travel, cruise bookings, and online booking platform usage.

3. Competition – Businesses with less competition tend to be more profitable.

4. Company Capabilities – Firms with strong brands and clear competitive advantages are more resilient to change.

5. Financial Health – Check debt levels, cash flow, and overall financial stability.

6. Adaptation to New Trends – Modern travel companies leverage AI and technology to make services more accessible.

7. Risk Factors – Travel stocks are sensitive to unforeseen events like political instability, pandemics, and natural disasters.

Top 9 Global Travel Companies - Who Will Lead in 2025?

1. Trip.com Group Limited (TCOM) - Dominant Chinese Travel Platform

Founded in 1999 as Ctrip.com, rebranded as Trip.com, it offers comprehensive booking services for hotels, flights, car rentals, and packages. In 2025, it benefits from China’s strong travel recovery and international expansion.

• Current Price: $66.38
• Market Cap: $43.45 billion
• Forward P/E: 15.98
• Target Price: $66

2. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL) - Leader in Cruise Exploration

With 67 ships, Royal Caribbean is an industry innovator. In Q1/2025, it reported EPS of $2.71 and quarterly dividends of $0.75 per share. Cruise demand remains high, especially among premium travelers.

• Current Price: $251.36
• Market Cap: $68.26 billion
• Forward P/E: 20.81

3. The Walt Disney Company (DIS) - A Business Beyond Imagination

Founded in 1923, Disney is the largest entertainment company. Its travel and entertainment segments diversify revenue streams, reducing risk. In Q2/2025, it reported EPS of $1.45 and Disney+ added 1.4 million subscribers.

• Current Price: $112.94
• Market Cap: $203.24 billion

4. Booking Holdings Inc (BKNG) - Online Booking Powerhouse

Founded in 1997, with brands like Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, and KAYAK, covering over 2.7 million accommodations worldwide. In Q1/2025, revenue grew 8%, and EPS increased 22%, beating expectations.

• Current Price: $5,216.55
• Market Cap: $169.75 billion

5. Marriott International (MAR) - Global Luxury Hotel Chain

Founded in 1927, Marriott is one of the largest hotel groups. In Q1/2025, RevPAR increased 4.1% globally, and the company announced a 6.3% dividend hike. Focused on expansion in Asia-Pacific.

• Current Price: $272.59
• Market Cap: $74.66 billion

6. Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) - Resurgent Cruise Giant

The world’s largest cruise operator with 10 brands. Post-COVID restructuring has strengthened its outlook. In 2025, bookings are strong, and prices are rising, indicating a solid recovery.

• Current Price: $22.99
• Market Cap: $29.87 billion

7. Uber Technologies (UBER) - Transportation and Travel on Smartphones

Founded in 2008, Uber revolutionized ride-hailing. In Q1/2025, EPS was $0.83, with 150 million monthly users. It’s expanding into autonomous vehicles, called “Uber’s biggest opportunity” by the CEO.

• Current Price: $90.41
• Market Cap: $189.06 billion

8. Expedia Group, Inc (EXPE) - Online Travel Booking Pioneer

Founded in 1996 by Microsoft, Expedia owns brands like Hotels.com, Vrbo, Orbitz. In Q1/2025, room bookings increased 6%, and it started paying dividends of $0.40 per share from March 2025.

• Current Price: $169.22
• Market Cap: $21.51 billion

9. United Airlines Holdings (UAL) - Long-Standing US Airline

Founded in 1926, UAL is the largest US airline. In Q1/2025, it forecasts EPS of $11.50–$13.50 for the year, maintaining strength in international and premium markets.

• Current Price: $78.99
• Market Cap: $25.80 billion

Comparison Table of Travel Stocks

Positive Signals and Challenges - Should You Invest in Travel Stocks?

Positive Signals

Industry Strength – Despite Skift Research lowering growth forecasts to 2-5% in 2025, numbers remain above global economic growth. Travelers continue to prioritize trips, with US spending projected to grow 3.9% to $1.35 trillion.

Job Support – WTTC estimates 14 million new jobs will be created in 2025, totaling 371 million worldwide.

Bright Long-Term Outlook – By 2035, the industry could reach $16.5 trillion, growing at 3.5% annually.

Challenges

Economic Concerns – New import taxes and recession risks have caused a 5% decline in Skift Travel 200.

Uneven Recovery – Some regions are strong, but major markets like the US and China remain sluggish.

External Factors – Interest rates and inflation could impact travel demand.

Attractive Travel Stocks by Category

1. Online Booking Platforms – Despite high valuations, Booking Holdings (BKNG) and Expedia (EXPE) show strong operations and growth prospects.

2. Cruise Companies – Royal Caribbean (RCL) has solid finances; Carnival (CCL) has recovery potential post-restructuring.

3. Diversified Conglomerates – Disney (DIS) reduces risk with income from media, movies, and streaming.

4. Niche Markets – Trip.com (TCOM) benefits from Asia’s growth, especially China.

How to Start Investing in Travel Stocks - 2 Methods Thai Investors Should Know

Method 1: Buying Actual Shares via International Trading Apps

Purchasing travel stocks through foreign stock trading apps makes you a true shareholder with dividend rights. Steps:

• Register and verify identity on the app
• Transfer funds and exchange to foreign currency
• Search and place buy orders

This method requires full capital but suits long-term holding.

Method 2: Trading CFDs (Contracts for Difference)

CFDs allow speculation on stock price movements without owning the actual shares. Advantages:

• Lower initial capital (with leverage)
• Profit from both rising and falling markets
• High liquidity

Disadvantages:

• High risk due to leverage
• No ownership or dividends

Suitable for short-term trading.

Summary

Travel stocks remain a compelling addition to your portfolio. Post-pandemic, many companies are still recovering, and tourism data indicates a positive trend.

If you seek potential travel stocks, the 9 companies above cover various sectors—from airlines and hotels to cruises and online platforms. The key is to choose based on your investment strategy—long-term, medium-term, or short-term.