Trip.com Group Reveals Travel Trends for 2026

• China and Türkiye projected to rise in popularity as global destinations among travellers from Southeast Asia and Europe
• Entertainment-led travel set to surge globally, including visits to amusement parks, concerts and franchise-themed attractions
• Travellers seeking nature, culture and immersive experiences across attractions

SINGAPORE, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trip.com Group today announced the top global travel trends for 2026, spotlighting leading destinations, standout attractions and events, and the evolving motivations influencing traveller motivations around the world.

Leading Global Destinations: Japan, South Korea and Thailand

Based on Trip.com Group's 2026 booking data, Japan is set to dominate as a top destination of choice next year, consistently ranked in the top three outbound destinations booked by travellers worldwide, including those from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand. Its two major cities – Tokyo and Osaka – are expected to see high demand from tourists globally, and likely to make it to the top 10 list of cities that international travellers plan to visit next year. 

Other popular destinations that are set to make their way into 2026 travel itineraries include China, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Millennials or those aged 29 to 44 will form the largest group of travellers next year, and will contribute to almost half of the booking volume, followed by Gen Zs who are aged 15 to 28^[1].

Destinations Rising in Popularity: China and Türkiye

In recent years, China has emerged as a travel favourite with its broad appeal, rich cultural heritage and range of unique experiences. Trip.com's latest booking data shows that China is projected to be one of the fastest-growing and leading travel destinations among Southeast Asian (SEA) travellers in 2026, with triple-digit year-on-year growth expected in flight bookings across several SEA markets^[2]. In particular, travellers from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are on track to become the top source markets heading to China next year.