Global long-haul travel sentiment is softening for 2026, including travel to Europe, according to the latest Long-Haul Travel Barometer (LHTB) 1/2026. The findings point to a more cautious outlook, shaped by affordability pressures and a growing preference for domestic or closer-to-home travel. While interest in Europe has eased slightly, the region continues to stand out for its strong safety credentials and enduring appeal across key overseas markets.
This edition of the Barometer provides forward-looking insights into long-haul travel intentions for January–December 2026, as well as the early-year travel horizon. It highlights shifting booking behaviours, rising demand for flexibility, wellness and slow travel, and emerging opportunities for Europe to strengthen its competitiveness by responding to evolving traveller priorities.
Read the article summarising the results here.
The Long-Haul Travel Barometer provides forward-looking information about short-term travel trends among potential travellers from Australia, Brazil, China, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the US. The analysis sheds light on travellers’ preferences, motivations and barriers related to travelling to and within Europe. Results are based on 1,000 interviews conducted in the five markets every four months. The Long-Haul Travel Barometer is a joint project of the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Eurail B.V. Full results are available to the members of partner organisations only. The project is realised by Silverlining Research.