Increased Global Demand and Spending on Travel Projected for 2026, According to a New Skyscanner Report
According to the “Horizons” report, based on data from 22,000 travelers worldwide, 84% say they plan to travel as much or more in the coming year, with Gen X and Millennials leading the trend. In fact, 39% expect to travel more than the previous year.
At the same time, 71% say they will spend as much or more on flights, with 37% planning to increase their spending. This trend is particularly driven by Gen Z (48%) and Millennials (44%), who intend to raise their travel budgets.
Spending on accommodation follows a similar pattern: 70% expect to spend the same or more, while 31% plan to increase their expenses. Among Gen Z and Millennials, this figure rises to 37%.
Skyscanner’s internal data also shows this upward trend, with a 10% year-on-year increase in searches from its 160 million monthly global users.
Regional Travel Demand Trends
- Middle East and Africa lead global demand growth with a 22% annual increase
- Latin America follows with an 18% rise
- Europe remains steady at 10% growth
- Asia-Pacific records 9% annual growth
- North America sees the slowest growth at 3%
India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), 2025 is expected to be a record year, with the sector’s economic contribution forecasted to surpass ?22 trillion. In 2024, India welcomed 20 million international visitors—2.3 million more than in 2019—highlighting its growing global appeal.
Booking Window Stabilizes at 90 Days
Since the volatility of the pandemic years, booking windows have stabilized. Most bookings are now made within 90 days of departure, with 30–90 days becoming the standard booking timeframe.
Travelers in the Indian subcontinent and MENA regions tend to book later than the global average. In India, 30% of bookings are made less than a week before travel, followed by MENA at 24%.
Cost Factors Shaping 2025 Travel Plans
When asked about cost considerations for choosing a destination in 2025:
- 58% cited flight cost as the top factor
- 57% pointed to accommodation cost
- 37% mentioned food and drink expenses
- 33% referred to tourist attractions
Sources of Travel Inspiration
51% of Skyscanner users use the “Everywhere” search feature to discover travel ideas
Social media also plays a major role:
- YouTube (46%)
- Instagram (38%)
- Facebook (28%)
- Word of mouth (37%) and online media (29%) remain significant inspiration sources
Growing but Cautious Trust in AI
Trust in Artificial Intelligence for planning and booking is rising.
In 2026, 54% of travelers feel confident using AI, up from 47% the previous year.
Key AI use cases:
- 38% for destination research
- 33% for itinerary planning
- 32% for flight/hotel comparison
- 32% for destination inspiration
Trust is strongest among younger travelers:
- 70% of Gen Z
- 66% of Millennials feel confident using AI for travel planning
Markets with highest trust in AI:
- India (86%)
- Brazil (81%)
- UAE (81%)
- Saudi Arabia (80%)
- Singapore (63%)
- Lowest adoption:
- Japan (22%)
- France (19%)
- Australia (17%)
Still, trust remains crucial. Despite rising usage, travelers’ willingness to use AI depends heavily on:
- Accuracy of information
- Overwhelming volume of options
- Relevance and value of recommendations
The Impact of Overtourism
Travelers are increasingly aware of overtourism and its effects:
32% say it has negatively impacted their vacation quality
Among Gen X, the figure rises to 37%
Responses to overtourism include:
34% plan to seek quieter destinations
Highest in South Africa (41%), India (40%), and South Korea (39%)
26% will choose less touristy places to save money
Especially Gen Z (29%)
31% intend to visit popular spots during shoulder seasons to avoid crowds
Most common among Baby Boomers (37%), and travelers from Singapore (40%), South Korea (40%), and India (37%)
Demand Shifting Away from Peak Season
Search and booking data suggest a slow shift away from peak season:
From June to September, there’s a slight move toward June travel in Asia-Pacific and Europe
Latin America shows strong interest in June and July, but a decline in August
Asia-Pacific sees growing interest in October travel
North America sees minor growth in August, while the Middle East remains stable
Most Popular Destinations
Key urban hubs continue to dominate short-haul city breaks:
London, Paris, Milan, Rome, Barcelona, Madrid, and Amsterdam remain top choices due to their:
Easy connectivity
Established cultural appeal
Extensive flight networks
Spain is particularly well represented, with several cities in the rankings.
Long-haul demand:
Bangkok shows consistent popularity in Southeast Asia with an average stay of 12 nights
Istanbul remains both a gateway hub and a standalone destination, with stable year-over-year demand (+3%)
Emerging destinations:
Spain’s Canary Islands remain strong
Lanzarote stands out as a sunny winter destination
Santiago del Monte reflects growing interest in northern Spain
Rising demand is seen for secondary cities like Leeds (UK), Salerno (Italy), and Tarsus (Turkey), indicating travelers are seeking alternative cultural experiences beyond crowded capitals
The 7 Key Travel Trends for 2026
The report identifies seven emerging travel trends shaped by traveler values, preferences, and perceptions of personal worth:
- Glowmads
Beauty routines and skincare rituals go beyond social media. In 2026, travel will reflect an interest in beauty as a form of exploration, not just destination aesthetics. - Shelf Discovery
“Eat like a local” becomes a mix of cultural immersion and value travel. Food-driven travel offers a deeper, more authentic, and affordable experience of a place. - Altitude Shift
Travelers are drawn to mountain escapes—not just for skiing but for year-round serenity. Destinations like the Dolomites, Annapurna, and Canadian Rockies attract those seeking peaceful retreats beyond peak seasons. - Bookbound
Travel centered around reading. Whether visiting the world’s most beautiful bookstores and libraries or retracing the steps of fictional characters, literature shapes travel choices. - Family Miles
Multigenerational travel is rising—not just to share costs but for quality time and shared memories among grandparents, parents, and children. - Catching Flights and Feelings
As dating habits evolve, more people are traveling for romance—meeting potential partners abroad, using dating apps while traveling, or seeking companions for the trip itself. - Destination Check-in
Travelers choose destinations based on where they want to stay. Hotels are no longer just for sleeping—they’re part of the experience. Design, architecture, and atmosphere are becoming the key reasons people choose where to go.
