Virtuoso has debuted the official Luxe Report 2026 that shows the future of luxury travel in Australia & New Zealand.
The 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report once again taps into the collective knowledge of Virtuoso’s industry-leading travel agency members, and their teams of professional travel advisors, to determine what’s now and next for savvy travellers.
Findings show they are no longer satisfied with luxury for its own sake. Instead, they are pursuing exotic encounters, slowing down to savour each moment and curating journeys that are meaningful, restorative and deeply personal.
Luxury travellers are willing to spend more but remain mindful of rising costs, seeking value that enhances their experiences. This makes their relationship with a trusted travel advisor even more essential.
More than half of Virtuoso advisors surveyed from Australia and New Zealand anticipate a slight rise in travel demand next year, while 23 per cent predict a significant increase – up 12 percentage points year-over-year.
Spend per trip is also expected to remain high: 63 per cent foresee a modest increase (up 16 points from last year and 8 points above this year’s global percentage), while 16 per cent predict a substantial rise in spending (up 10 points YOY).
The Luxe Report identified five key trends highlighting how upscale globetrotters in Australia and New Zealand are asserting their influence in the travel sphere for 2026.
Five key trends
Crowd Control: For today’s well-heeled traveller, comfortable climates and the freedom to enjoy the destination unencumbered by crowds are the new luxury. This growing desire to sidestep overtourism has become the top aspect of sustainable travel, with increasing interest in Greenland’s serene fjords and Iceland’s volcanic scenery, as well as shoulder-season visits to classics like Italy and France.
Bhutan also embodies this trend with its high-value, low-volume approach, where daily fees limit visitors and preserve authenticity. Antarctica, the top destination on the rise for Australians and New Zealanders, offers remote, immersive landscapes often explored through expedition cruising, the leading travel trend for 2026.
Main Character Synergy: There’s no shortage of inspiration when it comes to where to head next. TikTok, Instagram Reels and word of mouth all spark curiosity, but film and TV are among the strongest catalysts for adventure. The White Lotus continues to turn its dramatic destinations into must-sees, while K-dramas and the new KPop Demon Hunters are calling fans to South Korea. In the U.K., Cornwall’s rugged coast and fishing villages – filming locations for House of the Dragon and Poldark – pull visitors into the narrative.
Advisors say entertainment creates a natural synergy between stepping into a beloved story and discovering the culture around it through food tours, local markets, art districts and other authentic experiences. What begins as a playful escape often deepens into a genuine appreciation for the people and customs behind the scenes.
From FOMO to Slow-mo: The fear of missing out is propelling globetrotters to extraordinary adventures, such as trekking Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and exploring Sri Lanka’s lush jungles and ancient temples. Boomers and Gen X, in particular, feel this urgency, spurred by global environmental changes and a sharpened awareness that “someday” can’t wait.
Yet once they arrive, the pace shifts. River cruisers are requesting longer port stays to wander markets and neighbourhoods at leisure. Safari-goers are choosing smaller camps where they can spend unhurried days watching wildlife. In South America, travellers linger in Argentina, Chile and Peru to pair adventure with food, wine and heritage.
FOMO gets them on the plane, but “slow-mo” (slow motion) defines the experience. The rarer the location, the more travellers want to stretch out their stay and savour every moment.
Unlimited Luxe: For the first time, the Luxe Report asked advisors about ultraluxe travel, revealing that 40 per cent have seen an increase in recent requests. What’s especially notable is that ultraluxe is now defined by having every detail seamlessly included. Once viewed as mainstream convenience, “all-inclusive” has been elevated to cover everything from private transfers and Michelin-level dining to resort buyouts where chefs, wellness experts and guides are entirely at the guest’s disposal.
Privacy fuels demand, as travellers seek out hidden islands and remote retreats where exclusivity and escapism are the ultimate indulgence. Celebration travel rounds out the top three ultraluxe experiences, with milestone birthdays, anniversaries and family gatherings driving interest in private yachts and secluded estates.
The Healthy Wealthy: After years of upheaval, people are turning to wellness-focused journeys to restore balance and resilience. Requests span the globe, including Ayurvedic programs in India, yoga-and-surf escapes in Costa Rica and retreats in the Canadian Rockies where silence, itself, is part of the healing. These trips can even span generations, with parents and grandparents encouraging younger (not-always-willing) participants to step away from social media and reconnect with the natural world.
Mental health and longevity are just as important as physical fitness, and many view these trips as investments in a healthier future. According to advisors, health and wellness is now one of the top five experiences requested by solo travellers, who are drawn to programs that foster structure and self-discovery.
Australia & New Zealand findings
Staying cool remains hot in 2026, with Antarctica, Norway, Iceland and the Arctic all landing in the top 10 list of destinations on the rise. Holding steady at number two, Sri Lanka entices travellers with its unique blend of beaches, culture, cuisine, history and jungle adventures – all in one destination. Egypt jumps three spots, attracting interest for private Nile cruises and early access to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Vietnam moves up to number four among rising destinations, standing out for its excellent value and as a fresh alternative to Asia’s other booming hotspots.
2026 is poised to becomes Japan’s year, as it dominates across categories, overtaking Italy as the top global destination for the first time. It ranks first for solo travel, places in the top three for family vacations, appears in the top ten for honeymoons and cruises, and sees Kyoto join Tokyo as must-visit cities in 2026. Easy access for Australians and growing appeal for multigenerational families push Fiji into the global top five, as it also claims the number one spot for both honeymoons and family travel.
Stylish alternatives to European icons are stealing the spotlight, including Riga, Latvia, with its striking Art Nouveau architecture, Albania’s sun-soaked Riviera, Montenegro’s intimate Adriatic resorts and Malta’s historic towns brimming with Mediterranean charm. Each serves as a less expensive, less crowded alternative to more touristed countries like Italy and Croatia.
Explore the 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report: Australia & New Zealand here.
Top global destinations
- Japan
- Italy
- Greece Croatia
- Fiji
Top aspects of sustainable tourism
- Avoiding over-touristed destinations
- Giving back to/supporting local communities
- Wildlife conservation/interaction
- Farm-to-table dining
- Booking with companies that employ locals
Top adventure destinations
- Antarctica
- Sri Lanka
- New Zealand
- Canada
- The Arctic
Top cruise itineraries
- Antarctica
- Mediterranean
- Danube River
- Alaska
- Greek Isles
Top travel trends
- Expedition cruising
- Multigenerational family travel destination
- Family travel (immediate family)
- Active/adventure trips
- Ocean cruising
Destinations on the rise
- Antarctica
- Sri Lanka
- Norway
- Vietnam
- Egypt
Top cities
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
- Paris
- Barcelona
- London
Top honeymoon destinations
- Fiji
- Maldives
- Greece
- Italy
- Bali
Top family travel destinations
- Fiji
- Bali
- Japan
- Vietnam
- Italy
Top solo travel experiences
- Adventure travel/trekking
- Guided tours
- Expedition cruising
- Ocean cruising
- Health and wellness
Top travel motivations
- Celebrating a milestone
- Excitement of exploring a new destination
- Spending time with loved ones
- Rest and relaxation
- Escaping foul weather
Top ultraluxe travel experiences
- All-inclusive experiences
- Privacy
- Celebration travel
- Passion-point travel (art, wine, sports, etc.)
- Active/adventure trips
More than 2,400 travel advisors from Virtuoso-affiliated agencies in North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and the Middle East took the Luxe Report survey, drawing on their extensive knowledge, professional experience and client requests to offer insight into 2026’s top trends.
