Trip.com Sees Five Travel Shifts for 2026: F.O.C.U.S. on Curated Choices
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Trip.com’s Q1 2026 data identifies five travel trends under the acronym F.O.C.U.S.: franchise- and fandom-driven content travel, an Asia-centered demand shift, preference for short-distance/high-density trips, mandatory nature and cultural experiences, and sustainable/smart mobility. Travelers are making more selective, criteria-based choices—picking destinations and itineraries around entertainment franchises (theme parks, concerts) and cultural content (K-pop). Asia (including Seoul) ranks high in bookings; short-haul trips made up 59% of outbound air travel in Q1, with Japan, Vietnam, China and Taiwan popular. Nature and culture sites (e.g., Milford Sound, UNESCO karst landscapes, Louvre; in Korea: Haeundae Blue Line Park, DMZ, Gapyong Eobi Valley) remain essential. Sustainable mobility grows too, with rising EV rental bookings after carbon-labeling. Trip.com says these patterns show travelers prioritize clear themes and sustainable options when planning trips.
