18/03/2026
The move toward authentic, local experiences continues to redefine how trips are planned and experienced. ✈️
🔎 A valuable look at how evolving traveller expectations are creating new opportunities across the industry.
Travellers today aren’t just visiting destinations, they’re looking to belong. The rising demand for authentic, immersive, and culturally‑rich experiences is transforming how trips are planned, booked, and consumed.
According to insights presented at HBX Group’s MarketHub Asia, 72% of travellers now prefer spending on local activities over traditional sightseeing, while the global experiences market is forecast to reach $372.93B by 2034. Longer stays, neighbourhood‑centric itineraries, and off‑the‑beaten‑path exploration are becoming the norm.
For tour operators and travel distributors, this shift unlocks major opportunities to:
✔️ Package immersive experiences around food, culture, workshops, and neighbourhood discovery
✔️ Build itineraries tied to niche cultural festivals and local events
✔️ Use localisation to differentiate offerings and enhance customer loyalty
✔️ Leverage mobile‑first, API‑driven tools to meet demand for personalisation at scale
Our new article breaks down:
🔎 The behavioural drivers behind the “live like a local” trend
📈 Why experiential travel is accelerating across global markets
🎭 How niche festivals and micro‑district culture are becoming high‑intent travel triggers
🛠️ How Hotelbeds’ portfolio: from local stays to 23,000+ in‑destination experiences to help distributors convert this demand into revenue
If you want to stay ahead of traveller expectations in 2026, understanding this trend is essential. The distributors who lean into local, authentic itineraries will capture growing demand and strengthen long‑term customer loyalty.
👉 Read the full article and discover how to leverage the ‘living like a local’ trend with Hotelbeds:
https://discover.hotelbeds.com/resources/insight/travel-travel-trends-living-local?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_term=ws&utm_campaigntype=ac&utm_campaign=2026_trend_local
