Australian and New Zealand travellers are opting for experience-led, immersive itineraries in close-to-home destinations as economic, social and environmental uncertainty reshapes the travel landscape in 2026.
Plateau International, a leading global sales representation company, has shared its latest findings on experiential travel and trending destinations, informed by market-leading insights and booking data from its premium client portfolio.
Founder and Managing Director Marco Rosa said Australian and New Zealand travellers are prioritising meaningful, experience-led travel and are willing to spend on premium options.
“Overall, travellers in 2026 are seeking authentic, deeply engaging experiences that blend comfort with cultural depth, and these Asia-Pacific locales reflect that shift,” Rosa said.
“Australians and New Zealanders increasingly want to holiday in warm, welcoming close-to-home destinations that are renowned for their accessibility, stability and openness, giving travellers and advisors confidence for forward bookings in 2026 and beyond.”
Top 4 Emerging APAC Destinations for 2026/27
- Indonesia: With its proximity, increased airlift and year-round seasonal appeal, Bali and other Indonesian islands continue to capture the interest of beach-bound Australian and New Zealand travellers keen for culture, indulgence and relaxation in spades.
“Bali is a perennially popular destination among Australians and New Zealanders, and we are now seeing repeat visitation to explore new regions and islands in Indonesia beyond the classic hubs and routes,” Rosa said.
The Sanchaya on Indonesia’s Bintan Island is only a one-hour ferry ride from Singapore and offers an alternative luxe experience to Bali. With 29 elegantly appointed villas and suites plus a private four-bedroom residence within an exclusive beachfront estate, this family-friendly 5-star resort and spa blends refined design with dedicated service.
- Japan: Japan is another trending hotspot for Australians and New Zealanders, evolving into a year-round destination for all seasons. Travellers are going beyond the peak cherry blossom and winter seasons to uncover deeper cultural experiences, such as festivals and heritage sites.
“Japan is now an always-on destination among Australian and New Zealand travellers, prompting travel beyond the classic gateway cities to discover culturally rich experiences in lesser-known regions or seeing Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in a new light,” Rosa said.
B2B destination management company XPERISUS provides advisors with curated small-group and individual itineraries in Japan. Bespoke luxury journeys feature exclusive hotel and ryokan stays, private festival experiences and authentic cultural encounters with VIP concierge service, designed to create an elevated and immersive Japan travel experience
- Fiji: Spanning everything from family-friendly resorts to private adult-only islands, Fiji is also experiencing an influx of short-haul travellers and multi-generational groups seeking close-to-home luxury escapes in the idyllic South Pacific.
“Fiji is performing significantly well in the luxury space, due to exclusive and all-inclusive island resorts within three to four hours’ flying time from Australia and New Zealand,” Rosa said.
Wakaya Private Island Resort & Spa, just 35 minutes by private air transfer from Nadi International Airport on Fiji’s main island, features two family-friendly villas and 10 oceanfront bures for the ultimate secluded stay, fringed by coral reefs, pristine white-sand beaches and lush rainforest, plus access to myriad watersports, cultural activities and gourmet dining.
- Vietnam and Cambodia: Steeped in authenticity, the Indochina region is resonating with culturally curious travellers looking for a refreshing yet classic destination with distinct traditions and local travel experiences that take the scenic route.
“Across South-East Asia, Vietnam and Cambodia are showing exceptional demand. River cruising, in particular, is experiencing a renaissance as travellers seek slow travel that combines cultural immersion with comfort,” Rosa said.
Lotus Cruises operates three boutique river ships in Vietnam and Cambodia, sailing four- and seven-night itineraries in both directions along the Mekong with a fourth, the 24-suite Mekong Symphony, launching in 2027. With 19 to 34 staterooms per ship, experience personal butler service in select suites along with authentic onboard cuisine and curated onshore excursions.
With clientele across boutique hotels and island resorts, tailored safaris, small luxury cruise lines, and destination management companies worldwide, Rosa said Plateau International equips advisors with the knowledge, relationships and confidence to book beyond the obvious.
“Our portfolio is deliberately curated to uncover exceptional luxury experiences that aren’t always front-of-mind in the market, from character-rich boutique stays to immersive river cruises and specialist DMCs known for creating tailored itineraries,” he said.
“Everything we do is built with the travel trade in mind. That means meaningful support, strong on-the-ground partnerships and products that are easy to position, recommend and sell.”
