Despite escalating travel costs in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, 95% of travellers have not cancelled or postponed their plans for 2026, according to new research by Klook.
The study highlights that, whilst six in 10 travellers cite rising costs as a significant concern, they are prioritising experiences over other expenses.
Klook's mid-year pulse-check shows that travellers are adapting by seeking deals and booking earlier to secure better prices. Specifically, 47% are actively hunting for discounts, whilst 42% are booking in advance. Additionally, 25% are reducing spending on flights and accommodation, and 19% are opting for closer destinations.
Marcus Yong, Vice President of Global Marketing at Klook, noted, “Cost pressures across APAC this year were real, but they have not stopped people from travelling. Instead, travellers are making more considered choices around where they go and how they spend, whilst continuing to prioritise the experiences that give a trip its meaning.”
The research also indicates a shift towards experience-first planning, with 23% of travellers choosing destinations based on specific activities. AI is playing a role in travel planning, with 94% of respondents open to using it for recommendations, although human validation remains crucial.
Furthermore, 73% of travellers expressed willingness to visit lesser-known cities for unique events, with Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia showing the highest interest. Overcrowding is driving this trend, as 63% of respondents are now more interested in less-visited places.
As 2026 progresses, demand remains robust, with popular destinations including cultural hubs in China, coastal getaways in Taiwan, and emerging cities in Europe
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools and checked by the editor before publication. Spot an error? Report it here.
