Why China and Türkiye Are Set to Become the Next Big Travel Hotspots
Trip.com’s 2026 booking data shows triple‑digit growth in flight reservations from Southeast‑Asian markets to China, while European travellers are eyeing Türkiye as a top‑two outbound destination. The surge is driven by a mix of cultural curiosity, improved air‑connectivity and a hunger for authentic experiences that go beyond the typical city break.
Key Drivers for China’s Rise
• Broad appeal – From Shanghai’s futuristic skyline to Chengdu’s panda reserves, Chinese cities tick every box on the modern‑traveller checklist.
• Source markets – Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand already rank in the top five SEA source markets for China in 2026.
• Untapped gems – Beijing, Harbin, Chongqing, Shenzhen and Xi’an are forecast to see a 120‑150 % YoY increase in flight bookings, according to Trip.com’s quarterly report.[2]
What Makes Türkiye Irresistible for Europeans
German tourists are planning to make Türkiye one of their two biggest outbound trips, thanks to a blend of coastal relaxation, historic sites and emerging “festival tourism” (think Istanbul’s International Music Festival and Alanya’s surf‑and‑sun events).
Entertainment‑Led Travel: From Theme Parks to K‑Pop Concerts
People are no longer just looking for a place to stay; they want a story to tell. 2026’s itinerary planners are packing their bags with “experience tickets” rather than just hotel bookings.
Iconic Theme Parks Keep the Momentum
Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disney and Universal Studios Japan dominate the top‑10 attraction list. A recent Statista report predicts a 9 % global increase in theme‑park attendance by 2027.
Fan‑Driven Attractions Are the New Must‑See
Harry Potter studio tours, K‑pop concerts (Seventeen, Taemin) and franchise‑centric experiences like Jurassic World in Bangkok and the Evangelion exhibition in Tokyo are drawing millennial and Gen‑Z travellers alike. Pro tip: Book tickets through official channels at least 30 days in advance to secure premium seating.
Immersive Shows Take Center Stage
Aladdin the Musical, Broadway’s touring productions, Las Vegas’ The Sphere and Macau’s House of Dancing Water are listed among the most searched‑for entertainment events for 2026. These shows offer high‑touch, photo‑ready moments that travel‑influencers love to share.
Nature, Culture and Alternative Journeys: The Rise of “Slow Travel”
Travelers from SEA and Germany are increasingly swapping skyscraper vistas for fjords, karsts and heritage sites.
Adventure Tourism in New Zealand and China
Milford Sound’s turquoise waters and the glowworm caves remain bucket‑list staples, while China’s Wulong Karst, Chimelong Safari Park and Sichuan’s Mount Siguniang see a 78 % YoY rise in bookings from Asian markets.
Cultural Immersion in Europe
The Louvre, Barcelona’s Sagrada Família and Zurich’s Grossmünster are still top‑ranked attractions, reflecting a post‑pandemic desire for art, history and architecture.
Train & Cruise Journeys Get a Luxury Upgrade
Vietnamese travellers are gravitating toward Japan’s Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Train, while German tourists are reserving cabins on the Royal Princess and Opulence luxury cruises. Did you know? A 2025 World Travel Market survey found that 62 % of cruise passengers plan to travel again within the next 12 months.
Sustainable Mobility: Self‑Driving Trips & Electric Vehicles
Since Trip.com introduced carbon‑labels on car‑rental listings in April 2025, EV bookings have risen month‑on‑month, especially in Norway, Australia and Japan. Japanese and Thai travellers are the most active EV renters, often pairing the experience with scenic road trips.
Why EVs Are Gaining Traction
- Lower emissions align with travelers’ carbon‑conscious mindset.
- National incentives in Norway (zero‑tax) and Japan (subsidized charging stations) make rentals affordable.
- Travel blogs highlight the “quiet, smooth ride” advantage for long‑distance drives.
Self‑Driving Adventure: A New Freedom
Asian tourists in Europe and Australia now prefer renting electric cars to explore at their own pace, avoiding crowded public transport and reducing travel time.
FAQ – Quick Answers to Your Travel‑Trend Questions
- Which destinations will see the fastest growth in 2026?
- China (especially Beijing, Harbin and Xi’an) and Türkiye, driven by strong SEA and European demand.
- What type of entertainment attractions are most popular?
- Theme parks, K‑pop concerts, franchise‑based experiences (Harry Potter, Jurassic World) and immersive shows like Aladdin.
- Are electric‑car rentals really cheaper?
- In markets with government subsidies (Norway, Japan) EV rentals can be up to 20 % cheaper than conventional cars.
- What’s the biggest trend for European travellers?
- Culture‑focused city tours (Louvre, Sagrada Família) combined with train and luxury‑cruise experiences.
- How can I secure tickets for fan‑driven events?
- Book directly from official venues 30‑45 days ahead and set price alerts on sites like Ticketmaster.
Take the Next Step – Plan Your 2026 Adventure Today
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