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At the 24th International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM 24) recently held in Cannes, France, leading experts discussed and announced the list of "26 best travel destinations in the world in 2026". Notably, in this ambitious list, Asia created a media frenzy with four representatives possessing unique natural beauty.
Chengdu: A gateway to heritage and a "slow" lifestyle in the heart of the city.
Leading the list of biggest surprises at ILTM 24 is Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, China. For a long time, this city has been etched into the minds of international travelers as a place of friendly pandas and the exquisite art of face-changing in Sichuan opera. However, in 2026, Chengdu is viewed through a completely different lens: a city capable of soothing the soul and a gateway to the most intense emotions.
Chengdu (Sichuan, China) is among the top travel destinations in 2026 thanks to its perfect blend of 4,000-year-old Jinsha culture and accessible, modern urban life.
Expert Andrew Chen emphasizes that Chengdu's unique charm lies in its "accessibility," where visitors can touch the 4,000-year-old historical layers of the ancient Jinsha culture without feeling lost amidst the modern pace of life.
More than just a stopover point, Chengdu is asserting its role as a strategic hub connecting travelers to Tibet via the magnificent Qinghai-Tibet Railway. It's the perfect choice for those seeking the perfect balance between relaxed urban life and the thrill of adventurous journeys. The blend of spicy Mala cuisine, ancient streets, and the carefree lifestyle of the locals has transformed Chengdu into a magnet for those who appreciate contemporary Chinese culture.
This place is gradually becoming a breakthrough in the global tourism market.
Mongolia: The rise of the "Whycation" trend and the philosophy of purposeful travel.
Parallel to the rise of Chinese cities is the proud emergence of Mongolia – the land of eternal blue skies. Katalina Mayorga, founder of El Camino Travel, made an inspiring observation at Cannes: Mongolia is the perfect embodiment of the concept of "whycation".
The rise of the "whycation" trend has made Mongolia the new star.
A place where travelers abandon fast-paced itineraries in search of a deeper immersion in indigenous nomadic cultures.
This is a new term in the tourism industry, focusing on the question "why we travel" and personal feelings after a trip, rather than just focusing on landmarks on a map. By 2026, Mongolia promises to eliminate "checklist travel"—a superficial, fleeting style of tourism—and replace it with a deeper presence in each moment.
Mongolian tours in 2026 will focus on homestay experiences with local families.
Amidst the vast, uninhabited steppes, travelers are compelled to learn to deliberately slow down. Staying in traditional Ger tents, participating with nomadic families in a life of harmony with nature, moderation, and integration with the land, is not just an exploration tour, but an introspective journey to rediscover oneself. It is this expansive landscape, the challenging terrain, and the unhurried pace that make Mongolia the ideal destination for those seeking to escape the onslaught of technology and urban pressures.
This will promote a purposeful and sustainable tourism model in the heart of the steppe.
Bhutan: The Kingdom of the "Thunder Dragon" and its model of sustainable luxury conservation.
Continuing to assert its position as the "last Shangri-La" in the Himalayas, Bhutan enters 2026 with groundbreaking incentive policies aimed at attracting high-end tourists. Expert Francheska Melendez assesses this as the golden time to visit Bhutan, as the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) has been significantly reduced to just $100 per day for adults. This move not only stimulates tourism but also invites visitors to stay longer to fully experience the unique spiritual and cultural values of the world's happiest nation.
Bhutan, the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," is poised to attract high-end tourists in 2026 thanks to its Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) reduction policy and the reopening of key architectural heritage sites.
2026 also marks the revival of architectural heritage after years of meticulous restoration. Wangduechhoeling Palace, along with sturdy monasteries dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries such as Jakar Dzong and Kurjey Lhakhang, are reopening to visitors with a dignified yet magnificent appearance. The combination of luxury resorts nestled in the valleys and authentic religious experiences has elevated Bhutanese tourism to a new level, where luxury is defined by tranquility and preservation.
Thailand and the long-term health tourism revolution.
While neighboring countries focus on culture and pristine nature, Thailand has surprisingly made Layan Beach (Phuket) the "new star" in the wellness tourism segment. In stark contrast to the bustling nightlife of Patong Beach, Layan on the northwest coast emerges as a peaceful oasis with a slow pace of life. According to expert Nora Walsh, the most impressive aspect of Layan is not just its romantic private pool villas, but its shift towards a sustainable model focused on long-term well-being.
Tourism in Thailand is reshaping itself with a model of intensive wellness tourism, focusing on long-term well-being rather than typical short-term recovery services.
The demands of international tourists in 2026 will no longer be limited to short-term spa treatments. They will seek tranquil spaces in harmony with nature to implement comprehensive and long-term health and wellness plans. Layan Beach, with its integrated resort projects combining traditional medicine and healthy lifestyles, is becoming the perfect alternative for couples and individuals seeking absolute privacy in Thailand.
Besides the four outstanding destinations from Asia, the list of 26 best destinations in 2026 also features a dominance of Europe with seven representatives, including: London, England; Comporta village, Portugal; Thessaloniki city, Greece; Italy by rail; Lipari island, Italy; Flanders region, Belgium; Istria district, Croatia…
