Visa has released key findings from its 2026 Global Travel Intentions study, which reveal strong interest among Asia Pacific respondents in visiting Australia.

According to the findings, Asia-Pacific travellers are reconfiguring their travel footprints – choosing to visit destinations closer to home that offer familiarity, ease of access and confidence in planning.

When asked about planned travel destinations in the coming 12 months, 28 per cent cited Japan, followed by 16 per cent heading to Australia.

Many are still lining up travel plans to discover unique experiences and pursue their passions, with 37 per cent planning their trips around unique local experiences, especially those related to food and culture – exceeding the global average of 29 per cent.

One in four respondents said they would also travel for major live entertainment and sporting events.

Travellers in Asia Pacific are also becoming methodical when planning for their trips, at a time when conditions at their travel destinations are fluid.

According to the study, travellers in Asia Pacific actively “sense-check” various aspects before their trips, from core needs like accommodations to blind spots such as insurance, visa requirements, to monitoring local current events.

Nearly half (49 per cent) of respondents use AI tools to discover destinations and ideas. Other top uses for AI include gathering and curating travel reviews and recommendations (41 per cent) and discovering local tours and experiences (35 per cent).

While travellers are locking in essential bookings early, they are being more spontaneous with other plans and are open to changing them once they arrive at a destination. Findings include:

  • Almost four in five (79 per cent) booked accommodations in advance of the trip
  • Only half of respondents (51 per cent) booked experiences in advance, suggesting that travellers keep their options open until they reach their travel destinations
  • 72 per cent of dining decisions are made after reaching their destinations, while 65 per cent of transport choices are made during this stage.

Visa Asia Pacific Chief Marketing Officer Danielle Jin said: “The latest Global Travel Intentions study affirms the importance of travel to Asia Pacific. Travel is not slowing – it is becoming more planned, purposeful, and intentional.

“As digital-first travellers seek familiar sights and plan more practically, what matters is how destinations, businesses, and issuers enable every traveller to explore the places they love in their own way, from using AI to help travellers pursue their passions, values, and aspirations to delivering secure and seamless payment experiences at every stage of their journeys.”