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The key shifts reshaping global travel
As we look ahead to 2026 and travellers start planning their next adventures, it’s an ideal moment to take stock of the key trends shaping the travel landscape – from evolving spending behaviours to emerging destination hotspots.
In this edition of Horizons, we combine Skyscanner’s proprietary search and booking data with insights from a global survey of 22,000 travellers. The result is a forward-looking view into shifting mindsets, planning behaviours and destination preferences, designed to help the industry better anticipate what’s next.
A sector evolving with purpose
2025 may have started with uncertainty, but the travel sector continues to show resilience – and growth. Demand remains strong. Traveller expectations are evolving. And innovation is accelerating.
Technology is playing a central role in that evolution. AI is advancing at pace, powering more personalised experiences, enabling faster, more dynamic decision-making, and opening new ways to meet travellers where they are – and help them get to where they want to go.
At the same time, data is becoming more actionable. Real-time insight is helping businesses to better understand market dynamics, respond to change faster, and make smarter, region-specific decisions.
Sustainability continues to be a critical inflection point. Technology is increasingly being used to help address the challenge – from supporting destination planning to encouraging more balanced tourism flows across seasons and locations.
But amid all this change, one thing is clear: The traveller remains at the centre. They’re choosing experiences that reflect their values, interests and priorities. Because travel next year isn’t about escaping from real life – it's about being more connected to it.
Indeed, confidence in the global travel and tourism sector remains strong. According to the WTTC, investment surpassed $1 trillion in 2024 – a 9.9% YoY increase – and is forecast to continue climbing throughout 2025.* While IATA also reported a 4.6% YoY increase in global demand in August, with capacity up 4.5%.
This report captures the key patterns shaping the future of travel – from tech and data, to behaviour and purpose.
The key shifts reshaping global travel
As we look ahead to 2026 and travellers start planning their next adventures, it’s an ideal moment to take stock of the key trends shaping the travel landscape – from evolving spending behaviours to emerging destination hotspots.
In this edition of Horizons, we combine Skyscanner’s proprietary search and booking data with insights from a global survey of 22,000 travellers. The result is a forward-looking view into shifting mindsets, planning behaviours and destination preferences, designed to help the industry better anticipate what’s next.
A sector evolving with purpose
2025 may have started with uncertainty, but the travel sector continues to show resilience – and growth. Demand remains strong. Traveller expectations are evolving. And innovation is accelerating.
Technology is playing a central role in that evolution. AI is advancing at pace, powering more personalised experiences, enabling faster, more dynamic decision-making, and opening new ways to meet travellers where they are – and help them get to where they want to go.
At the same time, data is becoming more actionable. Real-time insight is helping businesses to better understand market dynamics, respond to change faster, and make smarter, region-specific decisions.
Sustainability continues to be a critical inflection point. Technology is increasingly being used to help address the challenge – from supporting destination planning to encouraging more balanced tourism flows across seasons and locations.
But amid all this change, one thing is clear: The traveller remains at the centre. They’re choosing experiences that reflect their values, interests and priorities. Because travel next year isn’t about escaping from real life – it's about being more connected to it.
Indeed, confidence in the global travel and tourism sector remains strong. According to the WTTC, investment surpassed $1 trillion in 2024 – a 9.9% YoY increase – and is forecast to continue climbing throughout 2025.* While IATA also reported a 4.6% YoY increase in global demand in August, with capacity up 4.5%.
This report captures the key patterns shaping the future of travel – from tech and data, to behaviour and purpose.
