In North America, and particularly the United States, major events are shaping travel decisions. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, shared between the United States, Canada and Mexico, together with the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, is attracting high-spending visitors who want to combine sport, history and luxury. New openings, such as the One&Only Moonlight Basin resort in Montana, are reinforcing the “cowboy core” aesthetic: a reimagining of luxury in the traditional landscapes of the American West, blending wide-open nature, outdoor activities and an enveloping sense of sophistication.
The Indian Ocean is no longer the exclusive realm of the Maldives. Destinations like Madagascar, sometimes dubbed “the new Maldives”, are claiming their space thanks to ultra-premium projects such as Voaara or Namoroka Tsingy. Meanwhile, the coast of Mozambique is attracting attention with long-term luxury investments such as Kisawa Sanctuary and the anticipated arrival of big international brands. The Seychelles maintain their position with top-tier resorts, and the reopening of Île Frégate further strengthens their status in the segment of highly exclusive escapes.
A true reinvention of luxury transportation is also underway. Sea and rail journeys are taking center stage. Whether aboard the Four Seasons sailing yacht or on the Ritz-Carlton’s exclusive itineraries, the sector is driving a new category that could be summed up as “don’t call it a cruise”. Small expedition vessels in destinations such as Raja Ampat appeal to travelers who want privacy, biodiversity and total immersion in their environment. On land, luxury train travel is regaining momentum with projects like the Belmond Britannic Explorer in the United Kingdom or the Dolce Vita Express in Italy, which combine heritage, contemporary design and maximum comfort.
Safaris, in turn, are moving away from their most familiar circuits to explore less traveled territories. Properties such as andBeyond Suyian Lodge, in Kenya’s Suyian Conservancy, offer an ultra-exclusive environment where nature, privacy and high-end service converge. In the field of gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, Rwanda’s consolidated leadership is now joined by a rising Uganda, where new luxury camps and routes are emerging. The launch of direct flights between London and Entebbe makes access even easier for the European market.
Europe, without losing its timeless appeal, is undergoing a subtle but important shift: attention is moving toward the shoulder season. Experienced travelers are increasingly avoiding the peak summer crowds and prefer quieter travel windows. The Dolomites are gaining ground thanks to new hotel openings, the visibility brought by the Winter Olympics and a year-round strategy that turns what used to be a limited season into a continuous attraction. Capitals like London remain global benchmarks in luxury hospitality, with the arrival of brands such as St. Regis, Six Senses or Rosewood raising the bar even higher.
Taken together, 2026 is set to bring a more sensorial, less conventional and deeply experiential form of luxury tourism. Elite travelers want destinations with an authentic story to tell, exceptionally personalized service and moments that go far beyond simple relaxation. For high-end operators and properties, the challenge lies in anticipating this evolution: a prime location or striking design are no longer enough. What truly makes a difference is the ability to offer narrative, exclusivity, cultural immersion and a genuine commitment to sustainability.
For destinations and brands that manage to adapt, the outlook is promising. They will be able to design journeys that combine luxury with purpose, exclusivity with awareness. In that space, real differentiation will come from the ability to surprise, to forge meaningful connections and to create memories that cannot be replicated.
