SANTO DOMINGO – International tourism is entering 2026 with a new energy. Today, travel is more dynamic, more emotional, and much more personalized. New generations are setting the pace, but not from a place of haste; rather, they are seeking memorable, authentic experiences that are well-spent. This is confirmed by recent Airbnb data and the approach being promoted by FITUR 2026: travelers no longer plan solely based on the destination, but on the experience they want to create.
This shift is giving rise to behaviors that, just a few years ago, seemed unthinkable: one- or two-day international getaways, solo trips with a spiritual focus, a growing interest in rural and cultural destinations, and a new hierarchy where experience takes precedence over accommodation. More than a passing fad, this represents a profound reconfiguration of tourism, with direct implications for real estate investment and the development of tourism projects.
For the industry, these "interesting facts" are clear signs of where demand is headed: brevity, authenticity, meaning, and emotional value.
Generation Z and the rise of speed trips
One of the most striking changes is being driven by Generation Z. This group is fueling what Airbnb calls "blitz trips" —one- or two-day international getaways that are growing faster than longer vacations. Inspired by viral content on social media platforms like TikTok, these travelers are opting for intense experiences in very short periods of time.
Vibrant cities become their top choice. They seek music, authentic cuisine, urban history, bars with character, and active cultural spaces. Every hour counts, and every activity must add value. Traveling is no longer about accumulating days, but about concentrating experiences.
For the tourism real estate market, this reinforces the value of well-connected urban areas with a compact cultural offering and high mobility. The actual proximity to the experience becomes as important a factor as the infrastructure itself.
Nature, culture and the return to meaningful travel
The connection with nature continues to grow, but now it comes with a stronger cultural component. By 2026, travelers will want more than just landscapes; they'll want stories, traditions, local cuisine, and contact with authentic communities. Rural life is no longer just an escape; it's becoming an experience of learning and reconnection.
This phenomenon opens up clear opportunities for low-impact tourism projects, accommodations integrated into the environment, and developments that highlight local identity. Luxury is now being redefined through the uniqueness of the experience.
Meanwhile, solo travel is experiencing a resurgence. More and more people are choosing to explore mountains, coastlines, and islands on their own, drawn by the tranquility, introspection, and slower pace. Tourism is transforming into a tool for personal well-being and emotional balance.
For the real estate sector, this means focusing on more intimate, functional spaces that are conducive to rest and contemplation. Small, well-designed projects can be as valuable, or even more so, than large resort complexes.
Less destination, more experience: the new paradigm
Since FITUR 2026, the message has been clear: experiential tourism is no longer an emerging trend; it is the foundation of the new tourism model. María Valcarce , the fair's director, explained it precisely, stating that today's traveler first chooses what they want to experience—from exploring a cave or cooking an ancestral recipe to traversing a cultural landscape—and only then decides where to do it.
This completely changes the market logic. The destination becomes the setting, and the experience becomes the true product. Accommodation ceases to be merely a point of arrival and transforms into an active part of the travel narrative.
