Global Scans · Travel · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: How we travel, where we travel and whether we travel at all will mean tremendous change in the decades ahead.

• [New] In 2026, astronauts will travel around the Moon for the first time since the Apollo era, powerful new space telescopes will prepare to survey billions of galaxies, and multiple nations will launch missions aimed at finding habitable worlds, water on the Moon and clues to how our solar system formed. The Conversation
• [New] Outbound tourism from China is expected to drive demand for international travel to Asia, Europe, and the Americas, as well as regional markets like Southeast Asia and Africa. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Travel and Tour World predicts 2026 travel will be more data-driven, a claim Business Research Insights substantiates, pointing to increased demand for analytics in the tourism space. Islands
• [New] Phocuswright analysts predict significant advancements in travel technology by 2026, emphasizing the integration of agentic AI, biometrics, and personalized experiences that enhance human connections and streamline travel processes. Hotel News Resource
• [New] In 2026, AI travel planning solutions will be available to help travelers personalize their itineraries and optimize their travel experiences. / Canada Travel And Tour World
• [New] Hospitality markets in Asia-Pacific and Europe are experiencing revived travel demand and supply constraints, resulting in strong room rates and value-add opportunities through consolidation or asset improvement. CRE Daily
• [New] Subtler and lesser-known environmental factors will significantly affect how people travel in 2026. Islands
• [New] By reducing reliance on road travel, the rail network is expected to significantly lower carbon emissions, aligning with the UAE's broader environmental and climate goals. Shunyatax Global
• [New] Culture as currency shapes plans around global events and seasonal moments, and hotel-backed boutique stays gain popularity. Travel + Leisure
• [New] In 2026, travelers will likely see an even greater emphasis on sustainable travel options, with more eco-conscious experiences and destinations that focus on minimizing their environmental impact. Travel And Tour World
• [New] With global air travel projected to reach 18.9 billion passengers by 2047, airports are under immense pressure to deliver frictionless, secure passenger journeys. International Airport Review
• [New] Lemon Tree Hotels will shift to a fully asset-light model, focusing on hotel management, branding, franchising, and digital distribution. Skift
• [New] More than 60% of travelers say they expect to use a travel advisor as their primary booking channel in 2026, particularly for longer, more expensive and international trips. Rome CEO
• [New] Within the US, Hawaii, Florida, California's wine regions, New York City and Arizona are forecast to remain top choices, reflecting strong interest in lifestyle-driven travel. International investments
• [New] 2026 will be the year Agentic AI truly reshapes travel. The Business of Experiences
• [New] Luxury travelers and major eventgoers are slated to drive hotel demand in 2026, while rising labour costs and advancements in artificial intelligence could shift hospitality operations. Hotel Dive
• [New] Trip.com's 2026 Global Travel Trends forecasts a vibrant year of broad mobility and immersive experiences, with Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, and Turkey emerging as standout destinations with strong booking growth. Travel + Leisure
• [New] For 2026, continued monetary easing and a recovery in global trade could underpin performance, especially if tourism and services rebound further. Day Hagan Asset Management
• [New] Internationally, advisors expect Italy, Greece and Japan to lead luxury travel demand in 2026, followed by Portugal, Croatia and France. International investments
• [New] The evolving landscape of global travel, dominated by themes like inclusivity, sustainability, and technology-driven innovation, promises exciting opportunities and challenges in 2026. Travel News and Destinations
• [New] In 2026, travelers can expect AI-powered travel planning tools that use predictive analytics to offer personalized travel recommendations, adjust routes in real time, and provide more accurate forecasting for flight delays or traffic congestion. / Canada Travel And Tour World

Last updated: 17 January 2026