Recently, the key tourism trends for the coming year have been revealed, Zakon.kz reports.
As it turns out, in 2026 tourists will avoid popular destinations, seek a break from responsibility, and choose trips focused on health and well-being. These and other trends that are expected to dominate tourism in 2026 were highlighted by the American television network CNBC.
“To identify the five main travel trends, journalists analyzed 25 travel reports summarizing the results of the outgoing year,” the publication says.
According to CNBC, one of the trends will be “anti-tourism” — travelers’ desire to avoid peak tourist seasons and overcrowded destinations. On the one hand, this allows people to get closer to local culture and reduce overtourism; on the other, it helps them save money.
Another trend identified by journalists is the desire to take a break from responsibility while on vacation. As a result, demand for travel agencies and all-inclusive packages may increase in 2026. This approach helps travelers avoid the “mental exhaustion” that many increasingly experience even before their trips begin.
The third trend is wellness travel, which has evolved from spa trips into scientifically based longevity programs and journeys focused on mental health.
“This includes Ayurvedic programs in India, yoga-surf retreats in Costa Rica, and silent retreats in Canada,” the publication notes.
In addition, travel driven by nostalgia is gaining popularity among younger tourists. Nearly eight out of ten Americans under the age of 35 said they have either already repeated or would like to repeat a trip from their childhood.
The fifth and final trend highlighted in the article is the growing use of artificial intelligence in the hospitality industry.
“More and more travelers are now turning to neural networks to book their trips. Hotels have also begun using AI to better understand their customers,” journalists noted.
Source: zakon.kz
