Global Travel Confidence Index 2026 - Wave 2

Holidays remain a priority as travelers navigate an uncertain world

The most comprehensive global study on traveler confidence

In 2026, Allianz Partners partnered with Ipsos to launch the Global Travel Confidence Index (GTCI), a landmark study surveying over 17,000 consumers across 15 countries to understand how travelers are planning, spending and protecting their journeys in an increasingly complex world.

The study was conducted in two waves:

  • Wave 1 (March/April 2026) covered 10 markets: China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the US.
  • Wave 2 (September/October 2026) expanded to 5 additional markets: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan and New Zealand
Wave 1: Summer travel defies economic and geopolitical pressures

The first wave revealed that 74% of consumers plan to travel for summer vacation, despite rising costs and global uncertainty. Key findings include: 

  • 77% are concerned about rising travel costs
  • 42% prefer domestic travel, potentially reflecting cost awareness and proximity considerations
  • 54% plan to attend concerts, festivals or performing arts events, signaling a shift toward experience-led travel
  • 67% are likely to purchase travel insurance, with 85% citing peace of mind as their primary motivation
Download the Wave 1 Full Report
Wave 2: Travel demand endures across five new markets

The second wave confirmed that the desire to travel remains strong worldwide, even as travelers face rising costs, geopolitical tensions and climate-related risks:

  • New Zealand (64%), Australia (58%) and Brazil (55%) lead travel intent in Wave 2
  • 88% of Brazilians say an annual vacation is important, the highest across all wave 2 markets
  • In wave 2 Canada leads insurance uptake at 73%, with peace of mind (81–89%) and protection against disruptions (80–90%) as top motivators
  • Affordability is the number one lever to increase insurance purchase across all markets
  • Key insight: Travelers are adapting to raising costs, not abandoning travel plans
  • Across both waves, the data tells a consistent story: travel is a protected priority. Rather than canceling holidays, consumers are making more considered choices:  reducing non-essential spending, choosing domestic destinations and seeking meaningful experiences.
Picture of Phil Hoffman - Chief Travel Officer
As Phil Hoffman, Chief Officer Travel at Allianz Partners, said: 

“Rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty and extreme weather are all influencing travel decisions, yet the desire to get away remains remarkably strong. Rather than abandoning their holidays, people are making more considered choices about how they spend, where they go and the experiences they prioritise. Travel continues to play an important role in helping people recharge and reconnect, even when budgets are under pressure.

At the same time, with 86% of those likely to purchase travel insurance citing peace of mind as a key reason for cover, preparation matters more than ever. Whether it's an unexpected cancellation, disruption to a journey or a medical emergency abroad, having the right protection and assistance in place helps travelers focus on enjoying their holiday, knowing support is there when they need it."

Download the Global Travel confidence Index 2026 | Wave 2 report

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Global Travel Confidence Index Wave 2 infographics 

Infographic_1_GTCI_2026 _Wave_2_Travel_Trends.pdf 272 KB
Infographic_2_GTCI_2026_Wave_2_Insurance.pdf 231 KB