2026
Risk foresight
Paul Mutter
Global Coverage Manager, Riskline
Foresight 2026
Beyond the immediate effects of geopolitical shifts, climate change and public health concerns, emerging trends are reshaping how people move, how destinations respond and how organisations manage risk.
Travellers are increasingly seeking experiences that balance personal well-being, cultural engagement and environmental consciousness, while technology is enabling faster, more seamless journeys. At the same time, complex risks, from cyber threats to civil unrest, require sophisticated planning and agile responses. For organisations supporting international mobility and for business travellers, understanding these converging trends is critical to making informed decisions.
The most resilient and prepared travellers in 2026 will be those who combine real-time intelligence, expert guidance and personal awareness. Organisations managing international mobility must integrate these insights into policy, planning and support structures to safeguard their people while enabling meaningful and productive travel. Ultimately, understanding the subtle interplay of these forces, not simply responding to headlines, will define success in navigating a travel landscape that is simultaneously complex and unpredictable.
Paul Mutter
Global Coverage Manager, Riskline
Foresight 2026
Beyond the immediate effects of geopolitical shifts, climate change and public health concerns, emerging trends are reshaping how people move, how destinations respond and how organisations manage risk.
Travellers are increasingly seeking experiences that balance personal well-being, cultural engagement and environmental consciousness, while technology is enabling faster, more seamless journeys. At the same time, complex risks, from cyber threats to civil unrest, require sophisticated planning and agile responses. For organisations supporting international mobility and for business travellers, understanding these converging trends is critical to making informed decisions.
The most resilient and prepared travellers in 2026 will be those who combine real-time intelligence, expert guidance and personal awareness. Organisations managing international mobility must integrate these insights into policy, planning and support structures to safeguard their people while enabling meaningful and productive travel. Ultimately, understanding the subtle interplay of these forces, not simply responding to headlines, will define success in navigating a travel landscape that is simultaneously complex and unpredictable.
Travel Foresight
The travel sector in 2026 will continue to evolve under the influence of changing behaviours, digital innovation and regulatory pressures. Work-life blending and bleisure travel are expected to remain strong, reflecting a continued desire to merge business responsibilities with personal enrichment. Slow travel, wellness retreats, and ‘calmcations’ demonstrate a growing focus on restorative and immersive experiences, as travellers seek more meaningful engagement with destinations.
Health Foresight
Health risks remain a central factor in travel planning. Respiratory illnesses are anticipated to pose significant challenges in 2026, with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warning of a potentially severe season.
Safety Foresight
Safety considerations for 2026 are shaped by a complex interplay of crime, geopolitical tensions, climate hazards and technological threats. Certain regions present higher risks for solo travellers, particularly where violent crime, gender inequality or harassment is prevalent, including India, Mexico, Egypt, Morocco, Brazil, Colombia and South Africa.
