‘Me-mooning’. Wellness breaks. The digital detox. If 2025’s prevalent travel preferences could be distilled into one word, ‘mindful’ might fit the bill – perhaps even ‘minimalistic’.
But for 2026, maximalism is back with a bang.
From spending splurges to pop culture quests, the year ahead will see travellers seize the day across all manner of trips: think luxury stays, cross-continental collectable chases, and creative escapes where passion takes centre stage.
For many, subtlety is so yesterday…but the traveller of today is not a monolith. For some, respite will remain top of mind; for others, authenticity is the hallmark of a truly great adventure.
Meeting the expectations of an increasingly divergent customer base is a challenge that today’s travel players must face. With this report, we aim to equip you with the insights you need to craft unforgettable experiences – no matter which part of the travel industry you’re in.
In HBX Group's Travel Trends Report for 2026, we explore the key trends set to define the travel industry this year. Aimed at all travel players - from hoteliers to travel agents, destination marketing organisations and more - our guide is jam-packed with recommendations designed to drive your success.