A new travel trends report from International Medical Group (IMG) highlights strong global travel demand in 2026, along with increasing use of artificial intelligence tools to help plan trips.
The IMG Travel Outlook Survey 2026 shows that travellers are planning both international and domestic journeys in high numbers, while digital technologies and travel advisors are playing an increasingly important role in shaping travel decisions.
Strong demand for international and domestic travel
According to the survey, travel demand remains robust across global markets.
Key findings include:
- 93% of respondents plan to travel internationally in 2026
- 38% of international travellers expect to take three or more trips
- 88% of respondents plan to travel domestically, a 3% increase compared with last year
- 53% of domestic travellers plan to take at least three trips during the year
The results suggest that travel continues to be a top priority for consumers despite changing economic conditions.
Italy ranks as the top destination for 2026
Among the most popular destinations for international travellers in 2026, Italy has taken the top spot for the first time.
Other highly ranked destinations include:
- Italy
- Canada
- Mexico
- France
- Spain
These destinations continue to attract travellers with their cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and well-developed tourism infrastructure.
AI increasingly used for travel planning
The survey also highlights the growing influence of artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot and Claude in travel planning.
About 33% of respondents said they are likely to use AI to help plan their trips in 2026.
Travellers expect AI to support several aspects of travel planning, including:
- Recommendations – 75%
- Itinerary planning – 70%
- Discovery and travel ideas – 69%
- Price and option comparisons – 55%
- Booking – 13%
Despite the rise of AI, many travellers still rely on traditional travel support.
Continued importance of travel advisors
The survey found that 41% of respondents use a travel advisor or agent for at least part of their travel planning.
According to Justin Poehler, Chief Commercial Officer at International Medical Group, AI tools are becoming increasingly valuable during the early stages of travel discovery.
However, travellers tend to rely more on trusted brands, advisors, and personal research when making final decisions such as booking accommodations or purchasing travel protection.
Urban and rural tourism remain popular
When asked about the types of trips planned for 2026, respondents identified several popular travel experiences:
- Urban tourism – 49%
- Rural tourism and nature travel – 39%
- Beach vacations – 38%
- Visiting family abroad – 32%
These results highlight travellers’ interest in both city-based experiences and nature-focused destinations.
Cruise and multigenerational travel trends grow
The survey also points to growing enthusiasm for cruises and family-based travel.
- 30% of respondents plan to take a cruise in 2026, an 11% increase compared with last year
- 33% of families plan to travel with multiple generations, including children, parents, and grandparents
These trends suggest that shared travel experiences and leisure-focused vacations will continue to play a significant role in the global tourism industry in 2026.
