These are the travel trends for a 2026 full of major events

As 2026 begins, the key factors that will determine how we travel in the coming year are already being defined. TUI Musement, a leader in tours and activities, highlights travelers' commitment to experiencing and sharing local customs, and the influence of sports as a driving force for booking additional getaways. Furthermore, it notes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a faithful travel companion. This platform has conducted a trend report showing a range of behaviors that determine how travelers' preferences are evolving towards more responsible, personalized experiences aligned with their interests.

The report confirms that the trend of urban travel remains at its peak, thus consolidating these destinations for short trips. It also adds the phenomenon known as 'sportcations', the growth of micro-adventures at zero kilometers, and the influence of AI in vacation planning. Moreover, it emphasizes the impact that the coincidence of events next year will have on the travel agenda.

The study notes a nearly 25% increase in bookings for experiences in urban destinations, confirming once again the growing popularity of city breaks. It points out that this type of travel meets both the need for flexibility by travelers and the wide availability of transport and accommodation options, which facilitates planning getaways more spontaneously than ever. Besides classic destinations, there is a notable increase in demand for so-called "second cities," cities that offer authenticity, less overcrowding, and a constantly expanding cultural offer, such as Stuttgart, Glasgow, and Segovia, among others.

49

is the percentage of travelers who state that they have used AI tools to plan their trip.

Another strong emerging trend is that more and more travelers are choosing their vacation destinations based on the sports they are passionate about, whether to attend international competitions like the Olympics or the World Cup, participate in marathons, visit football stadiums, or enjoy active experiences. TUI Musement notes that bookings for sports-related activities have increased by almost 37% over the past year and expects this trend to continue in 2026.

The report describes a traveler more engaged with traditions and eager to share the experiences of locals. Moreover, it notes a 47% increase in activities aimed at local audiences, becoming one of the fastest-growing categories of activities in 2025. "This trend shows how interest in rediscovering one's own environment is growing. Immersive exhibitions, comedy shows, plays, neon painting workshops, or gastronomic evenings allow for great moments without leaving the city and are consolidating as a key trend within the tour and activity sector," they detail. It also adds that 47% of respondents consider it very important for excursions and experiences to be verified with sustainability criteria. "Travelers increasingly expect activities that reflect these values: providers that minimize environmental impact, activities that generate real benefits for local communities, and experiences that responsibly connect with the environment," they warn.

Furthermore, they advance that AI has become a great ally for tourists in planning their trips. They assure that it is already transforming the way trips are searched for, planned, and enjoyed. "49% of participants in a TUI Musement survey claim to have used AI-based tools to plan a vacation, while 25% used them to create or refine their itinerary," they specify.

The study also focuses on the fact that the coincidence of events such as the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the Winter Olympics in Italy, or the solar eclipse on August 12, with total visibility in northern Spain, Portugal, Greenland, and Iceland, will mark the tourism agenda.

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