FIFA World Cup, higher airfares shape global summer travel trends in 2026: Report
Despite economic headwinds and global tensions, summer travel demand remains robust, with travelers shifting destinations rather than canceling trips. The FIFA World Cup is significantly boosting travel to US and Canadian host cities, while Europe...
By ET Online |
Agencies
Global travel demand remains resilient this summer despite rising airfares, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, with travellers changing where they travel rather than cancelling trips altogether, according to a new report by RateGain Travel Technologies through its subsidiary Sojern.
According to the report, the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 has boosted travel demand to several host cities in the United States and Canada. At the same time, around one-third of summer travel bookings are still pending, indicating that travellers are continuing to make last-minute decisions.
The FIFA World Cup has increased flight demand to several host cities, including Houston, Dallas, New York, Toronto and Vancouver. The United Kingdom is the largest international source market for host cities, followed by Brazil, Germany, Japan, Colombia, France and South Korea. Japan and South Korea rank among the top seven international markets travelling to World Cup destinations.
Europe and Latin America see strong growth
Europe has also recorded strong travel demand, with domestic flight bookings rising 35% and intra-European bookings increasing 37% compared with last year. Spain, Italy, France, Portugal and the United Kingdom all registered growth in flight bookings, while London remains the top destination for international visitors travelling to Europe.
"This summer is unlike any we've seen before. The World Cup has driven meaningful demand into host cities in the U.S. and Canada, but its real effect has been to redistribute demand rather than simply amplify it. Hospitality marketers who understand where intent is building—and where it's softening—will be best placed to capture remaining summer bookings," Mark Rabe, CEO of Sojern said.
According to the report, travellers continue to prioritise travel despite higher costs, but are increasingly choosing destinations closer to home or those perceived as offering greater certainty amid global uncertainty.
According to the report, the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 has boosted travel demand to several host cities in the United States and Canada. At the same time, around one-third of summer travel bookings are still pending, indicating that travellers are continuing to make last-minute decisions.
World cup drives travel, demand shifts across regions
According to the report, outbound flight bookings from the United States have increased 13% year-on-year, although hotel searches have declined 16%, suggesting travellers are securing flights while delaying accommodation bookings. Flight bookings from the US to Canada have risen 44%, while bookings to Mexico have fallen 12%. Domestic US travel is up 15%, travel to Asia has increased 19%, and trips to the Caribbean have grown 12%.Europe's summer hotspots often grab the spotlight, but many destinations offer stunning scenery, rich culture and a more relaxed experience. From coastal towns and mountain retreats to historic cities, these places provide a fresh alternative for travellers looking to explore Europe beyond the usual tourist trail. Here's a look at seven destinations worth adding to your summer travel list.
The FIFA World Cup has increased flight demand to several host cities, including Houston, Dallas, New York, Toronto and Vancouver. The United Kingdom is the largest international source market for host cities, followed by Brazil, Germany, Japan, Colombia, France and South Korea. Japan and South Korea rank among the top seven international markets travelling to World Cup destinations.
Europe and Latin America see strong growth
Europe has also recorded strong travel demand, with domestic flight bookings rising 35% and intra-European bookings increasing 37% compared with last year. Spain, Italy, France, Portugal and the United Kingdom all registered growth in flight bookings, while London remains the top destination for international visitors travelling to Europe.ADVERTISEMENT
According to the report, Latin America is emerging as one of the strongest-performing regions this summer, driven largely by demand within the region itself. Meanwhile, hotel search activity for the Middle East remains below 2025 levels across most international markets, reflecting the impact of ongoing regional tensions, although intra-Middle East travel continues to remain stronger than last year."This summer is unlike any we've seen before. The World Cup has driven meaningful demand into host cities in the U.S. and Canada, but its real effect has been to redistribute demand rather than simply amplify it. Hospitality marketers who understand where intent is building—and where it's softening—will be best placed to capture remaining summer bookings," Mark Rabe, CEO of Sojern said.
According to the report, travellers continue to prioritise travel despite higher costs, but are increasingly choosing destinations closer to home or those perceived as offering greater certainty amid global uncertainty.
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