- Global luxury travel sales are forecast to grow nearly 21pc in 2026.
- Autumn 2026 bookings are up 59pc.
- September sales lead autumn growth at 77pc.
- Europe is the primary driver with autumn bookings up 49pc.
- Wellness travel bookings are up 28pc.
Global luxury travel sales are forecast to grow by nearly 21pc in 2026 driven by a shift toward autumn travel known as the fallcation trend according to Virtuoso. Autumn 2026 bookings are up 59pc and overall sales for the season have jumped 69pc compared with 2025. September sales lead the autumn growth up 77pc with bookings up 55pc.
October bookings are up 59pc and November bookings and sales are both up by more than 70pc. Europe is the primary driver with year-to-date sales at Virtuoso’s preferred European hotels up 39pc through June and autumn bookings to Europe up 49pc. Network-wide hotel sales have climbed 24.5pc, cruise sales are up 22.4pc, onsite partner sales rose 17.5pc and tour sales increased 11pc.
Travellers are combining multiple cities into extended trips with Italy appearing in two-fifths of these itineraries. Wellness-focused travel has seen a 28pc increase in bookings and a 44pc rise in sales. The data highlights a shift toward autumn travel and multi-city itineraries.
