The first trends for summer 2026 are emerging for French tour operators. After a cautious start to the year, the indicators are turning positive. Data published by Seto confirms a gradual recovery in bookings, driven by clubs, groups, and a solid base of Mediterranean destinations. Greece, Spain, and Italy are emerging as the pillars of the season, while Egypt is experiencing the most spectacular growth.
Summary
A market that is picking up again, but without any real enthusiasm
According to the trade press and figures released by Seto (the French Association of Tour Operators), tour operator activity increased during the summer period, while remaining characterized by heightened vigilance. The start of the year was described as a wait-and-see approach by the industry, in a still unstable economic context and a geopolitical environment that encourages customers to favor destinations perceived as reassuring.
Initial trends from May to October show an improvement in both revenue and customer volume, on a like-for-like basis. However, this recovery remains gradual and dependent on last-minute decisions, which are now firmly established in consumer habits.
A statistical overview of trends for 2026
Package Holiday Barometer
🏆 Top 10 Winter (Nov-April Departures)
✈️ Top Long-Haul (Traffic)
Long-haul flights are experiencing an overall decline in volume.
🏆 Top 10 Summer 2026 (Departures May-Oct)
🏖️ Top Medium-Haul (Volume)
Medium-haul flights largely dominate business volumes.
The Medium-Haul King
It massively dominates the volumes, driven by the quartet of Spain, Greece, Tunisia and Morocco.
Egyptian Phenomenon
It is the most dynamic destination: +54% in winter and an explosion to +91% expected for the summer.
France all year round
A major destination in winter (1st), it is also gaining momentum in summer bookings (+38.9%).
Safe Haven Assets
Tunisia and Morocco confirm their status as must-see destinations (price/demand).
The clubs and groups driving the season
One of the key takeaways from these trends lies in the performance of holiday clubs, which have shown the strongest growth among the major product segments. Groups are also confirming their leading role, driven by demand for perceived value, price transparency, and organizational security.
Conversely, traditional tours are experiencing a relative decline. This trend illustrates the changing expectations of travelers, who are increasingly favoring more flexible, experience-focused formats rather than a series of stops.
The Mediterranean is emerging as a safe haven
Summer 2026 trends confirm the dominance of the Mediterranean region in tour operator sales. Greece is the leading summer destination, ahead of Spain, which maintains a very solid customer base, and Italy, whose growth is driven by both its major cultural cities and its seaside regions.
Tunisia and Morocco continue their rise, supported by competitive positioning and good visibility of their offerings. France, often overlooked in tour operator statistics, is also registering significant growth, a sign of renewed interest in organized domestic holidays.
Egypt, the big winner of the 2026 trends
If one had to choose a flagship destination this season, it would be Egypt. Data from Seto shows exceptional growth, both for the winter season and for the summer outlook. This momentum places the destination among the fastest-growing in the market.
This resurgence can be attributed to several factors: attractive value for money, a well-defined club and beach resort offering, and renewed traveler confidence. For tour operators, Egypt is once again a strategic pillar of their catalogs, both in winter and summer.
Long-haul: marked contrasts between areas
For long-haul travel, the situation is more mixed. The United States is experiencing a marked slowdown, hampered by inflation and rising overall travel costs. Conversely, Asia is gradually recovering. Vietnam is showing significant growth, while Thailand and Japan are consolidating their positions in tour operators' offerings.
This shift reflects customers' desire to reconnect with cultural and immersive destinations, while remaining mindful of their budget. Long-haul travel isn't disappearing, but it's becoming more selective and more dependent on perceived added value.
A 2026 season marked by measured confidence
The summer 2026 trends outlined by Seto reflect an improving market, but one still guided by caution. Tour operators are relying on proven destinations, strengthening their club and group offerings, and adjusting their capacity with close attention to demand signals.
In this context, the Mediterranean stands out as a pillar of stability, while certain destinations, such as Egypt,are regaining a central role. For professionals, the challenge this season will be less about acquiring new customers than securing sales, in an environment where anticipation and agility remain crucial.
Sources
SETO Document – Package Travel Barometer, January 2026
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