Skyscanner's annual report reveals that French travelers are hungry for new experiences: 72.9% of them plan to travel as much, or even more, abroad in 2026. This key indicator, according to Skyscanner, paves the way for unexpected destinations poised to become the new stars of travel. For tourism professionals, this trend is both a warning and an opportunity to seize.
Summary
Why this Skyscanner ranking is a game changer
The French are now looking to avoid mass tourism and peak season: 30% plan to revisit their favorite destinations off-season, and 22% will opt for less crowded places. This shift is resulting in a strong push for authentic getaway experiences within the tourism sector: local immersion, unspoiled nature, and experiences off the beaten track.
In practical terms for you: stop selling only "the must-haves," and start anticipating "the hidden gems." The keyword Skyscanner also becomes a strong signal to show that you are anticipating trends.
The 10 unexpected destinations according to Skyscanner
- Cascais (Portugal): +460% interest
- Al Ain (United Arab Emirates): +401%
- Maio (Cape Verde): +370%
- Reggio di Calabria (Italy): +312%
- Koror (Palau): +302%
- Sanya (China): +284%
- Toluca (Mexico): +267%
- Legazpi (Philippines): +261%
- Miyako-jima (Japan): +257%
- Tamarindo (Costa Rica): +182%
These places illustrate a shift towards less frequented destinations with high experiential value: beaches, nature, authenticity. They offer new avenues for products to imagine for your customers seeking a "different" experience.
How to transform this trend: 7 steps
- Mention Skyscanner in your content to show your monitoring efforts.
- Include at least two of the destinations from the ranking in your catalogue.
- Adapt your stories: authenticity and surprise rather than “best-of”.
- Create a specific communication: "The 10 up-and-coming destinations according to Skyscanner".
- Quickly publish content (newsletter, social media, blog) about these trends.
- Check the local logistics: flights, accommodation, service providers.
- Add a link to: View our 2026 Trends report.
Possible scenarios for 2026
| Scenario | Assumption | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| First entrants | You can add 1–2 destinations right now | Early launch and communication “before everyone else” |
| Measured approach | Observation and progressive testing | Create a mini-product to gauge demand |
| Delay | No adaptation | Risk of losing the innovation bonus to the competition |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why mention Skyscanner?
It is a leading player in the travel industry: using it lends credibility to your content and shows that you are relying on real data.
2. Should these destinations be added now?
Yes, but in a controlled manner: validate your operational capacity before launching sales.
3. What mistakes should be avoided?
To offer a destination that is still poorly equipped without guidance or a reliable local partner.
4. How to brief your teams?
Present this top 10 as a source of inspiration: "According to Skyscanner, these are the destinations to watch.".
5. Should we abandon the classics?
No: the challenge is to combine essential elements and new features to maintain balance and attractiveness.
Concrete example: Cascais (Portugal)
Cascais leads the way with a 460% increase in interest. This chic Atlantic port and seaside resort combines culture, nature, and accessibility. For a travel professional, offering a "Cascais & Lisbon" package now means capturing the initial surge of interest and positioning themselves before market saturation.
Key takeaways
- Include Skyscanner in your content: proof of monitoring.
- Add 2 top 10 destinations to your 2026 catalogue.
- Launch a campaign inspired by this ranking as early as November.
- Train your teams on Skyscanner 2026 trends.
- Monitor customer interest signals for these destinations.
- Add a link to https://infostourisme.com/tendances2026.
- Position yourself as "an agency/tour operator that is anticipating 2026 according to Skyscanner".
👉 Access the full report: View our interactive Trends 2026 report
Updates
- Skyscanner's "Travel Trends 2026" report is based on a OnePoll study conducted in June-July 2025 with 22,000 travelers.
- The filters "solo travel", "hotel-destination" and "reading on site" are among the fastest growing.
Sources
Skyscanner – Travel Trends 2026
TOM.travel – Skyscanner, TikTok and Reddit identify travel trends
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