Travel trends in 2026 for agencies
The travel industry is changing at an unprecedented pace. Between the rise of artificial intelligence, growing demand for sustainable travel and the transformation of work habits, travel agencies must adapt to stay relevant in 2026.
Here are the five major trends shaping the sector this year and the opportunities they represent for travel agents.
1. Artificial intelligence in the service of advice
AI does not replace travel agents — it makes them more effective. In 2026, AI tools let agents search for hotels faster, compare options more thoroughly and personalise their recommendations to each client's profile.
Agencies that adopt AI as an assistant (and not as a replacement) see an average 30% increase in productivity. AI handles the repetitive tasks — searching, comparing, formatting — while the agent focuses on what creates their value: human advice, client relationships and solving complex problems.
2. Bleisure: when business and leisure mix
Remote work has permanently changed travel habits. In 2026, 42% of business travellers extend their work trips to add leisure days. This phenomenon, called “bleisure” (business + leisure), is a major opportunity for travel agents.
For agents, bleisure means higher average baskets: instead of a single hotel night for a seminar, the client books a longer stay with activities. Quotes combining hotel, activities and transfers are rising sharply.
3. Sustainable and responsible travel
Travellers' environmental awareness keeps growing. In 2026, 67% of French travellers say environmental impact influences their choice of accommodation. Hotels certified as “eco-responsible” see their booking rate grow twice as fast as others.
For travel agents, this is a chance to stand out by offering sustainable options: eco-certified hotels, destinations reachable by train, carbon offsetting included in the quote. Clients are willing to pay a 10–15% premium for responsible accommodation.
4. Hyper-personalisation of stays
Travellers in 2026 no longer want standard packages. They expect ultra-personalised recommendations that match their tastes, budget and constraints. This is precisely where travel agents have an advantage over automated platforms.
Thanks to modern search and filtering tools, agents can offer tailor-made selections in minutes: a family hotel with a heated pool and a kid-friendly restaurant, a design boutique hotel for a couple's city break, an all-inclusive resort with a spa for a honeymoon.
5. The rise of independent agent networks
The independent travel-agent model is booming. In 2026, the number of independent agents in France rose 25% compared with 2024. Powered by accessible B2B platforms like Bookotels, these professionals can work from anywhere with the same tools and rates as large agencies.
This trend is fuelled by career changes: former tourism employees, digital nomads, travel content creators... All find in the independent-agent status a way to make a living from their passion for travel while offering quality service to their clients.
