TOP 5 TRAVEL TREND PREDICTIONS: PLATEAU INTERNATIONAL
REVEALS WHERE AND HOW WE'LL HOLIDAY IN 2026 AND BEYOND

Plateau International, a global sales representation company, highlights the latest travel insights gleaned from its portfolio of luxury and 5-star clients across boutique hotels and island resorts, tailored safaris, small luxury cruise lines and destination management companies.

Eleven esteemed clients will visit Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland for the highly anticipated Plateau International 2026 Travel Roadshow from 9 to 16 February, sharing the latest news and updates at exclusive events with travel media and advisors.

Australian and New Zealand travel media and invited trade partners will have access to some of the world's most unique and luxe experiences at the upcoming roadshows to share with their discerning clients.

Meet with niche travel purveyors, including The Sanchaya on Bintan Island, LABA LABA luxury lodges and safari camps across Tanzania, Traveline Tourism (Egypt), Assam Bengal Navigation (India), Lotus Cruises (Vietnam & Cambodia), Shems Incoming Morocco, and DiVita (Europe).

In addition, Wakaya Private Island Resort & Spa in Fiji and Capofaro Resort in Italy will visit Australia and New Zealand for the first time.

Founder and Managing Director Marco Rosa said partnering with Plateau International means gaining a trusted extension of your team and specialised support.

“We provide travel trade with access to curated luxury products that often remain undiscovered in the wider market, from boutique hotels with a strong sense of place to intimate river cruises and high-end DMCs that excel in creating bespoke, experience-driven itineraries,” Rosa said.

“Advisors receive full support, robust industry relationships and access to products that are built with the travel trade in mind.

“We know travel advisors are busy, so Plateau International aims to be both efficient and inspiring through streamlined communication and in-depth product knowledge designed to save time and elevate the client experience,” he said.

Top 5 Travel Trend Predictions for 2026

Plateau International has tapped into its market-leading insights to forecast the emerging destinations and travel styles as Australian and New Zealand travellers prioritise meaningful, experience-led travel and are willing to invest in premium options.

1. Japan: With its proximity, increased airlift and year-round seasonal appeal, Japan will continue to capture the interest of Australian and New Zealand travellers next year.

“Japan is a perennially popular destination among Australians and New Zealanders with repeat visitation to explore new regions beyond the classic routes,” Rosa said.

2. Europe: In 2026, Europe continues to dominate the conversation for local travellers; however, Plateau predicts a shift to Southern Europe and the emergence of Sicily as a holiday hotspot.

“We are seeing more forward bookings for Italy and Greece, followed by Spain, Portugal and France. Within Italy, Sicily offers a combination of culture, food, coastline and authenticity that resonates with travellers looking for something both classic and fresh,” Rosa said.

3. Africa: Bucket-list destinations, such as Africa, Morocco and Egypt, are also in demand for next year, particularly among multigenerational families and solo travellers.

“Africa is performing incredibly well in the luxury space. Tanzania, South Africa and Namibia continue to be top choices, driven by a desire for transformative experiences, such as safaris, conservation-led travel and journeys into vast natural landscapes,” Rosa said.

4. India: Many Australians and New Zealanders are returning for second and third visits to explore beyond popular highlight itineraries, such as the traditional Golden Triangle route.

“We are seeing clear demand for lesser-known regions. Southern India, particularly Kerala and Tamil Nadu, appeals to those interested in wellness and slower-paced exploration, while Bengal attracts the culturally curious and Assam is being discovered by adventure and nature seekers.”

5. South Pacific & South-East Asia: Closer to home, the likes of Fiji, Singapore and Bintan Island in Indonesia are experiencing an influx of short-haul travellers seeking luxury escapes.

“Across South-East Asia, Vietnam and Cambodia are showing exceptional demand. River cruising, in particular, is experiencing a renaissance as travellers seek slow-travel experiences that combine cultural immersion with comfort,” Rosa said.

“Overall, travellers in 2026 are seeking authentic, deeply engaging experiences that blend comfort with cultural depth, and these destinations reflect that shift.”

Plateau International 2026 Travel Roadshow invites travel media to lunchtime events with venues to be confirmed in each city. Save the date for:

• Brisbane: Monday, 9 February 2026 ( ASTW members and guests only)
• Melbourne: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
• Sydney: Friday, 13 February 2026
• Auckland: Monday, 16 February 2026

Register your interest in attending the Plateau International 2026 Travel Media events in Australia and New Zealand with Caitlin O'Loan at COCOM PR via caitlin@cocom.com.au

For more information, visit plateauinternational.com

–ENDS–

Media Contacts:

Caitlin O'Loan, Cocom PR
M: 0407 028 177 | caitlin@cocom.com.au

Marco Rosa, Managing Director, Plateau International
M: +44 7973 876967 | E: marco@plateauinternational.com

About Plateau International:
Founded by industry leader Marco Rosa in 2018, Plateau International is a global luxury sales representation company with a curated client portfolio across boutique hotels and island escapes, tailored safaris, small luxury cruise lines and hand-picked destination management companies (DMCs). Our clients benefit from an extensive network of tour operator partnerships for the luxury market, spanning  Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada.

Well-connected with 25 years' travel industry experience across top-tier brands, Plateau's travel designers, travel agencies and tour operators consistently raise the visibility of our clientele, generating booking demand from new sources and maximising sales potential. Efficiency, reliability and professionalism are at the core of our mandate to deliver a world-class service.