Amadeus and Globetrender Identify Key Travel Trends for 2026

Amadeus IT Group, in collaboration with travel forecasting agency Globetrender, has released an in-depth report outlining six significant trends predicted to influence traveler behavior in 2026. The report synthesizes Globetrender's insights with Amadeus' proprietary data to identify shifts in the travel landscape.

One prominent trend highlighted is "The Pawprint Economy," reflecting the increasing integration of pets into family travel. A substantial number of pet owners are now opting to travel with their animals and are willing to invest more to ensure their pets' comfort. This has led to a growing demand for pet-friendly services from airlines and hospitality providers.

"Travel Mixology" describes a shift towards personalized travel planning, where travelers combine various sources of information, including AI-driven recommendations, social media inspiration, and user-generated content, to craft unique itineraries. This approach allows for greater customization and discovery of less conventional destinations.

The report also emphasizes "Point-to-Point Precision," driven by the introduction of new, fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft. These aircraft are enabling longer direct flights with reduced travel times and improved cost-efficiency. Airports are also enhancing passenger flow through measures like biometric identification.

Finally, "Pop Culting" signifies the growing impact of popular culture, such as hit movies and TV shows, on destination choices. Filming locations can rapidly gain popularity, leading to surges in flight bookings and a strategic focus on leveraging cultural phenomena for tourism promotion.