Global Travel Trends 2026

The year AI-planned itineraries and wellness retreats thrive.

Travel in 2026 moves at a new pace. Decisions are faster, booking windows are tighter, and inspiration often comes from places the industry didn’t track a few years ago. Gen Z and Millennials are at the forefront of this shift. They plan through AI, trust social platforms, expect instant clarity on price and availability, and choose trips that reflect their priorities – not the industry’s assumptions.

What travelers value is changing too. Wellness retreats and concerns on over-tourism now influence whether a holiday feels worthwhile. And across Asia and the Middle East, digital maturity and willingness to pay are moving ahead and setting a higher bar for experience and conversion.

Providers need to keep pace with a traveler who moves quickly and expects more. Brands that align inspiration, pricing, and loyalty into one connected journey will be the ones that capture growth in 2026.  

Key travel trends for the year ahead

  • AI takes over as the new travel planner

  • Wellness travel grows but carries a luxury price tag

  • Support to control overtourism gains momentum

AI takes over as the new travel planner

More travelers are seeking trip inspiration through an AI query. They use it to build itineraries, check prices, receive recommendations instantly – no filters or friction – cutting out steps that used to slow them down. Younger users and digital-led markets have moved fastest, giving providers with AI-compatible content a head start. 

Wellness travel grows but carries a luxury price tag

More travelers are seeking trips that help them slow down and reset. Health and wellness retreats still attract higher income earners, but younger generations are showing growing interest – and a willingness to pay for it. Nature-led stays, mindfulness programs, and fitness holidays are becoming key drivers of premium demand. 

 

Support to control overtourism gains momentum

Travel growth is putting a strain on high-traffic destinations. Two-thirds of travelers say they would avoid a popular destination if they knew it will be crowded. To keep the holiday experience enjoyable, travelers support initiatives such as digital permits, timed entry, and limits on daily visitors. Off-peak travel incentives are the most popular, with 46% of travelers backing them.  

Travel trends 2026

How travel brands can capture value in 2026

Growth in 2026 won’t go to the loudest brands. It will go to the ones that read the traveler intent early and understand where decisions form, where travelers switch, and where they hesitate. Providers that guide these moments with clarity and speed, and act on shifting behavior faster than the market, will be the ones that capture the value. 

Travel trends 2026

How we can help you stay ahead

Lead the way in developing innovative business strategies with our services and capabilities.   

Shape awareness through digital influence

Travel inspiration begins online, but channels matter. Build a multi-channel strategy that optimizes direct sales and extends reach through OTAs and travel agents.

Simplify planning with AI integration

AI is changing how trips are planned. Integrate AI across digital touchpoints so travelers can move seamlessly from search to booking in a single interaction.

Convert with smart, value-based pricing

Pricing is a powerful lever to secure bookings. Use our Dynamica SmartRates software to keep offers relevant by aligning perceived value with willingness to pay.

Grow revenue through personalized value

Tailored, tiered offerings drive revenue growth. A Good, Better, Best structure with targeted add-ons increases share of wallet and keep travelers within the brand ecosystem.

Retain through satisfaction and reward

The post-trip moment is the start of the next sale. Use follow-ups, feedback loops, and loyalty rewards to convert satisfaction into repeat business by prioritizing lifetime value.

Our experts

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Competition has intensified in travel sector. At the same time, digitalization has massively disrupted markets and business models. Simon-Kucher works to optimize and increase value across your entire commercial value chain based on our detailed understanding of customer segments and their current attitudes and demands. With our travel industry experts and digital tools, we help maximize guest counts, revenue, and profit as well as ensure your customers' long-term satisfaction and loyalty.

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