How Asia Will Define The Future Of Travel In 2026, As Per New Report

A newly released report offers an interesting view of how tourism is likely to evolve in the coming year and notes how the strongest signals are coming from Asia. Across nine surveyed markets, the Agoda 2026 Travel Outlook Report identifies a traveller base that is highly value-conscious, eager to explore closer to home, and increasingly reliant on technology to plan and personalise their journeys. Domestic travel is gaining momentum, secondary destinations are emerging at speed, and shorter, more frequent getaways are becoming the norm. At the same time, relaxed visa rules, expanding flight networks, and frictionless digital payments are making it easier than ever to move around the region. The report suggests Asia's travellers are shaping not only regional patterns but also offering a preview of global travel behaviour in 2026. Find out more below:

A Value-Driven Way Of Travelling

According to the report, price is the number one factor for 39% of Asian travellers, outpacing both location and reviews. Their preference for affordability is clear: 73% want accommodation under USD 100 per night, especially in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Instead of limiting travel, this shift is increasing it. With 40% planning to spend 6-10% of their annual income on travel, travellers are choosing well-priced stays and destinations that allow them to take more trips in a year.

Also Read: Top 7 Travel Trends That Are Going To Rule 2026, As Per Report

Domestic Travel Is Redefining The Map

Takamatsu, Japan. Photo Credit: Unsplash

35% of respondents said they plan to travel mostly within their own country in 2026, up sharply from 15% last year. This demand is pushing attention toward smaller cities, where secondary destinations have grown 15% faster than traditional hubs. Japan's Takamatsu and Matsuyama, and Indonesia's Riau province all exemplify this shift, supported by government campaigns and improved air links.

Experiences Are Taking Priority

Experience-led travel is another notable trend. Culinary trips now rank among the top motivators, with many people citing food and cultural exploration as important reasons to travel. Major events are also reshaping traveller flows: Lady Gaga's Singapore concert announcement triggered a 358% surge in searches, while BLACKPINK's Bangkok shows drove an 18% overall rise. Spiritual travel continues to expand, too. For instance, searches for Allahabad rose 233% ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela, and Holi travel saw a 25% year-on-year increase.

Also Read: Indians Are Planning To Visit These Top 10 Destinations In 2026, Report Shows

Travel Is Getting Easier Across the Region

Relaxed visa policies and improved connectivity are making Asia one of the easiest regions to navigate. The report notes that 35% of travellers say visa rules influence their plans, and many destinations are already benefiting from eased entry requirements. The report provides a key example: "When Malaysia and Thailand removed visa requirements for Indians, almost overnight, a double-digit jump in searches was noted from these origins."

Meanwhile, airlines in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to take delivery of around 615 new aircraft in 2026, expanding direct routes and lowering barriers to travel. Cross-border QR code payments and linked digital wallets further reduce friction, allowing travellers to pay in their home currency across multiple countries.

AI Has Become A Mainstream Travel Tool

The report underscores Asia's rapid embrace of AI in trip planning. Nearly 63% of travellers say they are likely to use AI for their next trip, while 44% already trust information generated by these tools. Travellers expect AI to recommend attractions, translate on the go, and build personalised itineraries. Agoda notes that the industry is moving toward "Agentic AI," capable of making proactive adjustments ranging from rescheduling activities due to weather changes to reorganising itineraries after flight delays.

With its combination of value-driven decisions, appetite for immersive experiences, and comfort with technology, it seems that Asia's traveller base will likely influence wider global patterns too.