In the coming year, the global travel and tourism sector is expected to be heavily shaped by evolving behavioural patterns across Asia, according to the recently released Agoda 2026 Travel Outlook Report. A detailed survey across nine regional markets has highlighted how Asian travellers, influenced by value-driven choices, expanding connectivity, relaxed visa policies, and fast-growing travel technology, are redefining the priorities and rhythms of modern tourism. The report has indicated that the region’s traveller base is becoming more inclined toward short yet frequent getaways, while maintaining a strong preference for affordability and convenience. With domestic travel, seamless digital payments, and the rapid integration of AI-powered tools guiding decision-making and itinerary building, Asia’s influence is now extending far beyond its borders and offering a preview of what worldwide travel behaviour may look like in 2026. At the same time, the surge in interest around cultural and experiential journeys, supported by significant events and festivals, is reinforcing Asia’s role as a dynamic hub for both regional and international movement. As these developments continue to unfold, the global tourism industry is expected to witness a shift strongly aligned with the preferences emerging from Asia.
How Asia Will Define the Future of Travel in 2026
A Region Moving Toward Value-Conscious Travel
A strong emphasis on cost efficiency has been identified as a central force guiding travel decisions in Asia. According to the report, price has been observed as the leading factor influencing 39 percent of travellers across the region, outweighing considerations such as location and accommodation reviews. This behaviour has been most visible in markets such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia, where 73 percent of travellers have expressed a preference for stays priced under USD 100 per night.
Instead of reducing travel frequency, this inclination toward budget-friendly options has encouraged more trips throughout the year. With 40 percent of surveyed individuals indicating plans to allocate between 6 and 10 percent of their annual income toward travel, the trend has pointed toward strategic planning that prioritises affordability. Value-led travel choices are expected to continue driving demand in 2026, influencing how accommodation providers, airlines, and tourism boards shape their offerings.
Domestic Tourism Strengthening Local Travel Maps
Domestic tourism has undergone a remarkable transformation across Asia, and this shift has been highlighted as a defining trend for the upcoming year. The report notes that 35 percent of respondents intend to travel primarily within their home countries in 2026, marking a substantial increase from 15 percent recorded the previous year.
This uptick in domestic movement has resulted in growing interest in secondary destinations, especially those previously overshadowed by larger metropolitan hubs. These secondary locations have grown 15 percent faster than major hotspots, suggesting a widening appreciation for lesser-known cultural centres and natural landscapes. Destinations such as Takamatsu and Matsuyama in Japan, as well as the Riau province in Indonesia, have been particularly influenced by improved air connectivity and national promotional campaigns. This shift is expected to support regional economies, reduce crowding in major cities, and diversify tourism footprints across countries.
Experiential Travel Becoming a Core Priority
As travel motivations evolve, experience-led journeys have gained prominence in Asia. Food-related explorations, cultural immersion, and event-based travel have been widely identified as major influencers of destination choice.
Culinary travel, in particular, has been elevated as a meaningful driver, with travellers increasingly seeking local dishes, traditional flavours, and authentic dining experiences. Similarly, major events have had significant effects on search spikes and travel patterns. Lady Gaga’s concert announcement in Singapore triggered a 358 percent jump in online searches, while BLACKPINK’s performances in Bangkok contributed to an 18 percent overall rise.
Spiritual tourism has also expanded rapidly. Searches for Allahabad surged by 233 percent in anticipation of the Mahakumbh Mela, and Holi-related travel recorded a 25 percent year-on-year increase. These figures illustrate how cultural and religious events continue to shape movement across India and neighbouring regions.
Travel Across Asia Becoming More Seamless
Asia’s travel environment has become increasingly accessible due to relaxed visa regulations, enhanced airport capacities, and strengthened air networks. The report highlights that 35 percent of travellers consider visa requirements as a critical factor in trip planning. The immediate rise in travel interest observed when Malaysia and Thailand removed visa requirements for Indian travellers reflects this sensitivity. Search volumes from India recorded double-digit growth almost instantaneously following these policy changes.
The aviation sector is also preparing for substantial expansion, with airlines across the Asia-Pacific region expected to receive approximately 615 new aircraft in 2026. These additions are projected to diversify direct flight routes, increase frequency, and reduce travel challenges across borders.
Furthermore, frictionless payment systems are simplifying cross-country spending. The integration of QR-based transactions and interconnected digital wallets has enabled travellers to make purchases in their home currency even when abroad. This convenience is encouraging more spontaneous and flexible travel across multiple Asian countries.
AI Tools Becoming Integral to Trip Planning
One of the most transformative trends highlighted in the report is the growing reliance on AI among Asian travellers. About 63 percent of respondents have indicated that AI tools are likely to be used for their next trip, while 44 percent already place trust in AI-generated information.
These tools are being relied upon for a wide variety of tasks, including identifying suitable attractions, translating languages during transit, constructing personalised itineraries, and suggesting alternatives when disruptions arise. The travel industry’s transition toward what is described as Agentic AI is expected to enable real-time adaptability. For example, AI systems may soon be capable of automatically adjusting itineraries in response to weather conditions, rescheduling booked activities, or reorganising plans after a delayed flight.
This rapid adoption showcases how Asia is leading the global shift toward intelligent, technology-enhanced travel experiences.
A Region Quietly Influencing Global Tourism Patterns
With its strong focus on value, cultural immersion, regional mobility, and advanced digital adoption, Asia is positioning itself as a key influencer of global travel behaviour for 2026. The Agoda 2026 Travel Outlook Report reflects a traveller base that embraces practicality and discovery, while simultaneously adapting quickly to emerging technology and shifting economic landscapes.
As Asian travellers continue shaping preferences around affordability, frequency of travel, experiential choices, and technological convenience, the wider tourism market is expected to be guided by similar behaviours worldwide. The region’s dynamic interplay of cultural events, improved infrastructure, and digitally supported travel planning is anticipated to define how both regional and international tourism progresses in the year ahead.
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