Asia Pacific travelers are responding to global uncertainty by traveling closer to home, planning more deliberately, and using AI for pre-trip research, according to Visa’s 2026 Global Travel Intentions study.
The study surveyed more than 47,000 respondents worldwide, including more than 17,000 in Asia-Pacific markets. The study found that travelers in the region are responding to global shifts not by traveling less but with greater intentionality – focusing on familiarity, practicality, and flexibility.
“The latest Global Travel Intentions study affirms the importance of travel to Asia-Pacific. Travel is not slowing – it is becoming more planned, purposeful, and intentional,” said Danielle Jin, Chief Marketing Officer, Visa Asia Pacific.
Asia-Pacific travel
Sixty-three percent of respondents traveled to destinations within Asia-Pacific — compared with 16 percent to Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa; 13 percent to Europe; and 6 percent to North America.
Japan was the top destination for nearly one in five respondents (19%), followed by Australia (7%). Thailand, South Korea, and Hong Kong each accounted for roughly 5 percent.
Looking ahead, more than one in four respondents (28%) cite Japan as a planned destination in the next 12 months, followed by Australia (16%) and Hong Kong and South Korea (13% each).
While intra-regional travel dominates, 37 percent of Asia Pacific respondents plan trips around unique local experiences — particularly food and culture — exceeding the global average of 29 percent. One in four said they would travel for major live entertainment and sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, Formula 1, and K-Pop.
AI shapes pre-trip planning
Nearly half of respondents (49%) use AI tools to discover destinations and ideas, making it the most frequent AI use case. Other applications include gathering and curating travel reviews and recommendations (41%) and discovering local tours and experiences (35%).
Travelers also conduct pre-trip due diligence on payments: payment security is a concern for 33 percent of respondents, followed by card acceptance at 27 percent. Seventy-three percent bring cards or mobile wallets on their trips.
Locking in essentials early with space for flexibility
Almost four in five respondents (79%) booked accommodations before departure, but only half (51%) booked experiences in advance, suggesting that travelers keep their options open until they reach their travel destinations, said the report.
The survey found that seventy-two percent of dining decisions and 65 percent of transport choices are made after reaching a destination.
“As digital-first travellers seek familiar sights and plan more practically, what matters is how destinations, businesses, and issuers enable every traveller to explore the places they love in their own way, from using AI to help travellers pursue their passions, values, and aspirations to delivering secure and seamless payment experiences at every stage of their journeys,” said Jin.
