Kiwis want to travel healthier in 2027 and get hands on with crafts and cooking classes, shows Booking.com’s 11th Annual Travel Predictions report.
The report is based on research from more than 28,000 travellers across 32 countries including New Zealand.
Key findings include the continued rise of wellness-focused travel. It found that 51% of Kiwi’s travel decisions have been influenced by a health, body or lifestyle change, with 22% saying improving physical health or well-being influenced their destination or activity choices.
Some 44% say dietary preferences are factored in their travel decisions, with 69% wanting at least one healthier or more nutritionally balanced hotel food option and 52% saying a hotel with mindful eating options is appealing, shows the data.
This wellness focus extends into the wider trend of recoverymaxxing, the demand for slower itineraries, as 80% of travellers globally complain of returning from travel feeling more tired than when they left. The report also showed increasing Kiwi interest to connect with local culture and traditions. Some 71% of Kiwis are interested in culinary experiences such as learning regional cooking techniques, while 65% are interested in traditional crafts such as pottery and wood carving.
Value for money will be key in 2027, with the report showing 47% of Kiwis have chosen to travel with someone because they were good at finding deals, affordable places to eat or value-for-money experiences.
. . . Destinations
Booking.com’s destinations tipped to trend in 2027 include Christchurch, Monterey in the US, Japan’s Sendai, Reims, Argentina’s Rosario, Pescara in Italy, India’s Puri, Goiânia in Brazil, Paraguay’s Asunción, and Bratislava. See the report HERE.
