Amadeus Identifies Six Key Tourism Trends for 2026

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Amadeus, a leading provider of transformational technology for the travel industry, has released its annual Travel Trends 2026 report, offering a detailed analysis of the factors likely to shape the sector next year and in the near future.

Prepared in collaboration with the Globetrender agency and based on Amadeus’ own data, the report highlights six major trends that experts predict will define the traveler experience in 2026 and beyond.

One of the most notable trends is the rising popularity of pet-friendly travel. Technological innovations, regulatory initiatives, and service solutions are creating new opportunities for travelers wishing to bring their pets. Bloomberg predicts that the global pet industry will reach US$500 billion by 2030, while research by Shape Insight shows that pets are traveling more frequently than ever.

China Railway Express has already launched pilot routes for pet travel, and Italy now allows medium and large dogs in passenger cabins on airplanes. In 2026, long-haul pet-friendly flights will be offered by SkyePets, and the AKA Hotels chain has integrated pets into its Canine Club loyalty program. Amadeus forecasts that 2026 will be a year of genuine care for travelers with pets.

Another trend, Travel Mixology, reflects how experienced travelers combine platforms and technologies to create personalized itineraries. Modern tourists may use large language models to analyze opinions, consult reviews on Reddit or YouTube, interact with AI brand assistants, and combine their own tools to craft unique experiences. New integrations such as Google Flight Deals and Expedia’s Trip Matching allow users to find routes based on mood or convert short social media videos into full travel plans. Travel Mixology is expected to become a defining method of planning, merging the speed of digital technologies with authentic human experiences.

Innovation in aviation continues to shorten flight times and expand travel possibilities. Narrow-body aircraft for long-haul routes, such as Airbus’ A321XLR, increase flight range by 700 nautical miles, enabling airlines to launch new non-stop routes. IndiGo will connect India and Athens for the first time, Air Canada will link Montreal and Mallorca, and Qantas’ Sunrise project will reduce flights between Sydney and London or New York by four hours. According to Amadeus, 2026 will mark a new era in air travel, turning long-haul flights into fast connections and opening access to previously hard-to-reach cities.

Cultural phenomena are increasingly influencing travel demand. Films, TV series, and music trends inspire fans to visit cities and countries linked to their favorite stories. In 2026, the Seoul Tourism Organization will offer an immersive journey themed around the film K-Pop: Demon Hunters, and Universal Studios Great Britain will begin constructing a cultural hub with hotels and restaurants. Interest in fan events continues to grow: according to Amadeus Travel Intelligence, flight searches to San Diego for Comic-Con have increased by 9% year-on-year. Tourism brands are leveraging cultural approaches to let travelers experience beloved stories in real life.

Hotel personalization continues to evolve through technology. Pick ‘n’ Stays allows guests to select room features—ranging from gym equipment and soundproofing to proximity to breakfast and VR gaming space. Booking systems like Amadeus’ iHotelier enable hotels to offer unique options and enhance revenue, turning guest preferences into standard service.

Maher Kuba, Executive Vice President of Amadeus for the EMEA region, notes that pet travel, AI assistants, expanded direct routes, cultural engagement, and personalized hotel services are shaping the future of travel, making it more inclusive and individualized.

Innovation Tourism illustrates how technology is transforming the travel experience itself. Autonomous vehicles, 3D-printed in-room services, instant translation devices, and platforms for interspecies communication with animals are becoming part of reality for tech-savvy travelers. Shenzhen is emerging as a hub for technology and creativity, while the U.S. and London are expected to see rapid adoption of autonomous transport. According to Amadeus Travel Intelligence, flight search queries in early 2026 rose by 48%, underscoring growing interest in innovative destinations.

Jenny Sautan, CEO of Globetrender, notes that the travel industry is entering a “hyper-mobility mode,” where technology, culture, and innovation accelerate change. Consumers are responding differently to marketing, news cycles, and pop culture, and 2026 promises to be a year when travel feels almost like science fiction.

Amadeus and Globetrender emphasize that these emerging trends create opportunities for companies and travelers alike, enabling them to anticipate the future and shape the evolution of the industry.