“Haven’t you done well?”
That phrase keeps cycling through my YouTube suggestions thanks to Google’s algorithms deciding that I should consume copious amounts of comedy trio Aunty Donna.
Search them and you’ll see the link, although I’m not sure you really should.
That phrase seems highly appropriate for the start of the year. Travel Daily and Cruise Weekly have been back for just two weeks now, but readership metrics would suggest that most of the travel industry is back on deck already.
Welcome to 2026 – the industry really has done well already in terms of news. With just 10 work days ticked off, we have already had four breaking news alerts.
The weeks that were…
Oceania will be transitioning to an adults-only cruise line – a fascinating call as multi-generational travel is discussed and the demographic of cruise passengers heads south, but also one that could pay off significantly for the brand and looks to be leaning into its strong fanbase.
Meanwhile, My Cruises has already committed to another year-long voyage in 2027, and this one will start its journey from Sydney. Cruise Weekly editor Myles Stedman couldn’t help but ask whether an even bigger commitment might be coming from the brand.
Tourism Australia also took the opportunity to announce its new managing director. It was coming up to a year since Phillipa Harrison announced her departure, but what better way to kick off the year than with a commitment to a new boss?
None other than the person in the acting managing director role (makes sense) landed the title: Robin Mack, someone who has plenty of experience in a number of positions within Tourism Australia.
Readers may remember that Harrison’s announcement was timed coincidentally well with the announcement that Brent Hill would be departing his role as boss of Tourism Fiji, both exiting their respective buildings around the same time as well.
It had pundits’ tongues wagging , but of course, Hill has now settled into Brisbane to lead the marketing push for the 2032 Summer Olympics. Mack takes the reins at a fascinating time for the travel industry, particularly the inbound one – there are a few new incoming international flights he can test out.
And late Thursday night, Azamara Cruises announced its fleet would undergo the largest investment in its history this year, a renovation project the line will call ‘Azamara Forward’.
The fleetwide transformation will feature upgrades such as reimagined dining and bar venues, and new suites, which will first debut aboard Azamara Quest in December.
It’s also worth reading the follow up story on Friday in Travel Daily regarding the UK passport situation, which editor Adam Bishop and associate publisher Jo-Anne Hui-Miller followed up on – confusion central.
Don’t take it from us
It has been a strong start to what is shaping up to be a bumper year, but we wanted to hear how senior travel industry executives think 2026 will play out. This is by no means an exhaustive list of opinions, but some of the observations captured here make for particularly interesting reading and could change a strategy or two.
We’ve ordered it alphabetically by surname.
Ben Angell, VP and managing director, NCL APAC
“In 2026, travellers are placing greater value on how a journey feels – not just where it goes. There’s a clear shift toward freedom, flexibility, and personalisation, with holidays that allow people to slow down, connect, and shape experiences around their own interests.
Cooler-climate destinations like Northern Europe and the Baltics remain strong for their cultural depth and seasonal appeal, while shorter, closer-to-home sailings are trending as a high-value alternative to land-based holidays, introducing first-time cruisers and creating new growth opportunities.
The real opportunity lies in offering choice, from short escapes to immersive itineraries, so travellers can explore the world their way.”
Ram Chhabra, group CEO, CVFR Travel Group
“2026 is shaping up to be the most challenging year for travel since COVID.
Geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, the global economy is losing momentum, and here in Australia, we’re now in a technical recession with the possibility of further interest rate rises.
Yet one thing has fundamentally changed post‑COVID – travel has shifted from a luxury to a necessity. People will continue to travel, but they will be far more value‑driven in their choices.
With significant additional seat capacity entering the market in 2026 and a softer economic environment, travellers should expect to see more competitive fares.
Demand won’t disappear, but passengers will be looking for genuine value for money, and the industry will need to work harder to deliver it.”
David Cox, CEO, APT Travel Group
“Looking ahead to 2026, we expect small group touring to continue gaining momentum as travellers prioritise deeper connection, authenticity, and flexibility.
We are finding our guests are seeking meaningful experiences that feel personal, from local encounters and immersive sightseeing to the ability to explore places larger groups simply can’t access.
It’s a trend we’re seeing across key destinations, particularly Europe, where demand remains strong, and travellers are seeking richer journeys, delivered with ease and confidence from start to finish.”
Chris Fundell, founder, Strativate Marketing
“I believe one of the most defining travel trends will be the convergence of multi-generational travel and purposeful, deeper experiences.
Families are travelling together more often, not simply to holiday, but to reconnect. We’re moving away from rushed itineraries towards slower, more meaningful travel that allows grandparents, parents and children to genuinely engage with culture, nature, experiences and each other.
Purpose-led travel creates space for shared learning, wellbeing and reflection, while delivering experiences that resonate across ages.
In 2026, travel won’t just be about where we go, but why we go together.”
Liam Giudes, general manager, Gallivanter Travel
“I believe the rise of AI will polarise the view of travel professionals’ value in the traveller’s mind.
More than ever, the clients will have access to the information required and the confidence to book their own trip under the ‘professional’ guidance of ChatGPT. If agencies aren’t using this technology to stay ahead or aren’t elevating the client experience, I believe they will be left behind at the speed of AI.
However, the opposite can also be true. AI will also create industry growth through transactional speed and accessibility to travel. This means more opportunities. Exciting times ahead!”
Chris Hall, managing director Asia Pacific, Globus family of brands
“Travellers flocked to small group touring in 2025 and we expect to see even more people booking this type of trip in 2026. There’s strong demand for intimate, curated itineraries that offer flexibility and cater to personal tastes.
We expect to see South America, Japan and Korea continue to grow in popularity this year and small group tours offer the most cost-effective, convenient way to immerse in these culture-rich destinations.
Many people are now very well-travelled – they are looking for a meaningful experience, and a carefully curated itinerary at the right price – it’s hard to go past small group touring to deliver all that.
We should also expect river cruising on rivers beyond the traditional Danube route, such as the Rhine, Rhone and Seine, to be popular this year as people continue to build a cruise into their travel itinerary.”
Joel Katz, executive director – Australasia & Asia, Cruise Lines International Association
“Cruise lines head into 2026 with a huge amount of momentum, and all forecasts point to strong growth and plenty of opportunities.
Demand will remain strong, and we expect to see almost 40 million passengers set sail globally by the end of the year – another new record for cruising. Around a dozen new cruise ships will be launched this year and almost 80 are on order at the world’s shipyards over the next decade, representing a $100 billion investment.
Australians remain some of the world’s biggest cruise fans, and we expect to see a continuing trend towards fly-cruise holidays as they explore further afield.”
Dean Long, CEO, ATIA
In 2025 we witnessed an impressive surge in international travel, with over 12 million Australians exploring the globe. This trend is expected to continue, driven primarily by a noticeable consumer shift towards short-haul travel.
Destinations such as Bali, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand will continue to be the front-runners in this growth, while long-haul destinations may see more restrained expansion due to capacity, cost, and operational constraints. As travel to Asia increases, advisors will need to identify emerging “hidden-gem” destinations, as travellers seek to venture beyond traditional hotspots.
Additionally, we may observe a growing number of individuals seeking trustworthy advice from ATIA members and our advisors, rather than relying solely on AI recommendations and the overwhelming array of choices. Trust remains paramount. ATIA members excel at cutting through the noise, providing genuine expertise, confidence, and accountability, especially when plans change.”
Lisa Pile, VP sales & general manager, Asia Pacific, Regent Seven Seas Cruises & VP sales, Asia, Oceania Cruises
“Personally, I think one of the biggest opportunities for the industry in 2026 and beyond is stimulating demand for international travel – especially cruising – outside the traditional high seasons.
Australians are increasingly open to travelling at different times of the year, and destinations like Europe offer extraordinary value and experience in October, November, and December. These months deliver a more relaxed pace, fewer crowds, richer cultural immersion, and often more attractive pricing – all of which align perfectly with the rising preference for slow, meaningful travel.
For cruise travellers in particular, shifting demand into the shoulder and early winter seasons opens up a world of possibility.
Mediterranean itineraries with cooler weather and quieter ports, late season Alaska (think autumn colours and very fat bears) and autumn in Asia allows Australian travellers additional choice with itineraries, together with further value and new experiences.”
Penny Spencer, managing director, Spencer Travel
“Some of my predictions for 2026 start with the fact that everyone is travelling – every generation and demographic, which is great for our industry.
Some of the destination predictions for 2026 would be different places in Europe like Malta, Sicily, Slovenia, Slovakia and then closer to home, Sri Lanka, where I am going in February.
A trend we also see is clients wanting to go to places where their favourite movie or Netflix series has been filmed, such as Croatia for Games of Thrones; I went to the Cotswolds for New Year’s Eve because I love the movie Holiday; and anywhere that White Lotus, Bridgerton and Emily in Paris have been filmed.
We have seen trends of fewer trips for our clients but higher value itineraries and the use of AI for planning. However, our motto is: AI gives answers but we as travel advisors give confidence and peace of mind.
Enquiries for wellness and sustainability are constant, and I don’t see this changing in 2026.
Experiences are what clients are looking for – a private tour of the Sistine Chapel, breakfast on top of the Arc de Triomphe, fine dining on the Great Wall of China. We help to create memories.”
Navy Wang, managing director, MW Tours
“Looking ahead to 2026, we expect demand for experiential and culturally-immersive travel to continue accelerating, particularly across Asia and Africa.
Improved air connectivity and relaxed visa policies are already reshaping traveller confidence, with destinations such as China and Sri Lanka regaining strong momentum. Japan is likely to remain a standout, driven by its balance of value, safety and depth of experience.
Overall, travellers appear increasingly focused on meaningful journeys rather than just ticking destinations off a list.”
How do you think 2026 will play out? Let us know by emailing info@traveldaily.com.au.
Enjoy your weekend.
Damian Francis
Editorial Director
damian.francis@traveldaily.com.au
