Tourism Trends to Watch In 2026
(And How Bundaberg Businesses Can Cash In)
AT A GLANCE
• Short breaks + slow travel = repeat visitors and higher spend
• Hands-on food, nature and rural experiences outperform passive ones
• Events and international markets drive longer stays
• Clear storytelling and local partnerships turn trends into revenue
If 2025 was about recovery, 2026 is shaping up to be about intentional travel and that’s very good news for Bundaberg.
New insights from industry leaders point to travellers slowing down, staying longer, spending smarter and choosing destinations that feel real, restorative and connected to place. In other words: they’re choosing us on purpose.
New insights from industry leaders point to travellers slowing down, staying longer, spending smarter and choosing destinations that feel real, restorative and connected to place. In other words: they’re choosing us on purpose.
Tourism trends don’t just benefit tourism businesses, they drive foot traffic, spend and confidence across retail, hospitality, trades, services and the wide regional economy.
Here’s what’s trending and what Bundaberg businesses (tourism and non-tourism) can do right now to turn these shifts into revenue.
1. Aussies Are Holidaying at Home (and Doing It Often)
THE TREND
Domestic tourism continues to anchor the sector, with short-break travel to coastal and regional destinations sitting above pre-pandemic levels (Deloitte). This includes Bundaberg!
Drive markets are resilient markets - they respond faster, return sooner, and spend more locally over time.
Cost pressures mean fewer big overseas trips, but more frequent getaways closer to home, particularly within their home state. And with the international climate suddenly a little spicier than when the year started, Bundaberg’s world class experiences, affordable and relaxed offerings and drivability are more appealing than ever before!
WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR MY BUSINESS?
A short break that knocks a visitor’s socks off will mean repeat visitation and higher lifetime value per guest.
THE TO-DO LIST
• Package your offer for 2–3 night stays (think “weekend-ready”)
• Partner locally - accommodation + food + experience bundles sell better than solo products.
• Give people a reason to come back: loyalty perks, seasonal offers or “next visit” incentives.
• Be found where decisions are made - Think of tourism distribution partners like My Queensland, Expedia, Booking.com to be found where people are booking holidays
2. Slow Travel Is Officially Mainstream
THE TREND
Half of Australians plan to swap rushed itineraries for slower stays in smaller towns (Wotif). Travellers want fewer crowds, easy access to what they need, and a sense of calm, and 72% want to support local communities while they’re at it.
WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR MY BUSINESS?
Slower travel = longer stays, more local spending. And this spend goes right across the community, from traditional tourism businesses like accommodation, tours and attractions, as well as more general businesses including retailers, the hospitality sector, and service providers like fuel stations, taxis and transport.
THE TO-DO LIST
• Stop selling activities and start selling how it feels (rested, recharged, connected).
• Promote off-peak and midweek experiences - slow travellers love them.
• Tell your local story clearly online. People want to know who they’re supporting.
3. Farm Stays & Rural Experiences Are Booming
THE TREND
84% of travellers are interested in farm stays (Expedia), with Gen Z driving a surge in interest. Guests want nature walks, animal encounters and hands-on produce experiences.
WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR MY BUSINESS?
You don’t need to be a farmer to benefit, rural authenticity is the drawcard.
THE TO-DO LIST
• Focus on hands-on elements: tastings, workshops, behind-the-scenes moments;
• We’re in one of Australia’s most prolific food bowls, so lean into it! Use local images and talk about our region with pride as we feed the nation;
• Retailers and cafés: highlight local produce, provenance and paddock-to-plate stories;
4. Food & Drink Is No Longer Passive, It’s Participatory
THE TREND
Airbnb data shows travellers booking bakery classes, tastings and food-led experiences in droves in 2025. TikTok-inspired culinary travel is turning meals into must-do moments.
WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR MY BUSINESS?
Food and drink experiences drive higher spend and social sharing, and we are the home of great taste! Experiential food turns local produce into a story people retell, and the power of positive word of mouth is free marketing money can’t buy.
THE TO-DO LIST
• Consider if you can offer a do-it-yourself version of your product (classes, demos, tastings) and make it bookable, even if it’s limited sessions.
• Design it to be shareable: visually appealing, short, memorable.
• Not a food or drink business? Promote events and activities around the region to encourage people to participate and stay longer
5. Events Are the New Travel Trigger
THE TREND
65% of top-searched travel dates for 2026 align with major events (Airbnb). Tickets are becoming passports and people are using events as the rocket they need to plan that trip they’ve been wanting to go on.
WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR MY BUSINESS?
Events pull new audiences into regions, our job is to keep them here longer. Whether it’s decorating your store front to celebrate one of our major events, or offering incentives to people in town for a sporting event, make the most of low-cost promotions to drive more eye on your business and dollars in your till. You don’t need to be an official sponsor, you just need to be visible, relevant and open when people are in town.
THE TO-DO LIST
• Think beyond tourism: retail, hospitality and services all benefit from event-led spikes.
• Align promotions with major local and regional events – it doesn’t have to cost you anything.
• Extend trading hours or create event-adjacent offers to bring attendees into your business.
6. Nature & Wellness Are Non-Negotiable
THE TREND
Nature-based tourism participation is up 27% since 2018 (TRA). Sustainability and wellness are now baseline expectations, not “nice to haves”. From off-the-grid accommodation, hikes in the North Burnett, walks along deserted beaches and salty turtle encounters on the reef, Bundaberg has an enormous amount to offer.
WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR MY BUSINESS?
Green credentials influence booking decisions and future-proof your business.
THE TO-DO LIST
• Clearly communicate your sustainable practices & stories (don’t be shy, you’re putting in the work already so share it proudly!).
• Partner with or cross-promote local nature-based operators, wellness providers and natural attractions that you love.
• Design quieter, lower-impact experiences - they’re in demand.
7. AI Is Now the Front Door to Your Business
THE TREND
Traveller use of generative AI for trip planning has doubled year-on-year (Deloitte). Instead of scrolling endlessly, travellers are asking AI tools direct questions like “Where should I stay in Bundaberg for a relaxed weekend?” or “Best food experiences near the Southern Great Barrier Reef.”
At the same time, businesses investing in AI are getting more efficient and able to focus more time on serving their customers even better. Productivity is through the roof, as effective AI becomes a marker of digital maturity in tourism.
Let’s be clear here though - AI isn’t replacing visitor centres, travel agents or local knowledge, but it is becoming the first filter. Businesses that describe themselves clearly, consistently and confidently will win attention early and convert more bookings downstream.
WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR MY BUSINESS?
If AI can’t find, understand or recommend your business, you simply won’t make the shortlist, even if you’re brilliant.
THE TO-DO LIST
• Think “AI as concierge.” Ask yourself: If a traveller asked an AI “Where should I go in Bundaberg?”, would my business deserve to be named?
• Write for answers, not just keywords. Clear descriptions of what you do, who it’s for and why it’s special help AI tools surface your business in recommendations;
• Keep listings accurate and detailed (ATDW, Google, booking platforms). AI relies heavily on structured, up-to-date data; consistent information across multiple sources
• Spell out your value. Phrases like family-friendly, locally owned, eco-certified, or hands-on experience matter more than ever;
• Use AI internally to save time. Draft social posts, FAQs, itineraries and customer emails faster, freeing up staff to focus on that great Bundaberg service! But be careful - many consumers can spot a lazy cut-and-paste, so use it to draft or tidy rather than relying on it to do all the heavy lifting.
8. Trust & Localism
Travellers are gravitating toward destinations and businesses that feel safe, familiar and values-aligned. In uncertain times, people choose places that feel trusted. Familiar brands, local endorsements and word-of-mouth matter more than algorithms alone. And regions that project confidence and cohesion is the energy that people gravitate to!
WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR MY BUSINESS?
It’s not about being the biggest. It’s about being recognised, recommended and respected, Businesses that show up as part of Team Bundaberg - collaborating, cross-promoting and backing the region - get pulled into the spending flow naturally.
In 2026, trust is currency - and local businesses that earn it will outperform those that try to buy attention.
THE TO DO LIST
• Be visibly local: signage, language, storytelling, partnerships
• Collaborate with other like-minded and complimentary businesses, especially those that already have foot traffic
• Show faces, not just brands (people trust people)
• Align with local events, destination brand or campaigns - even informally
• Make it easy for others to recommend you (clear offering, opening hours, contact details)
THE BOTTOM LINE
2026 travellers aren’t chasing checklists. They’re chasing meaning, calm and connection and they’re willing to pay for it.
For Bundaberg businesses, the opportunity isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing smarter: packaging and partnering better, telling your story clearly, and making it easy for visitors to stay longer, spend locally and come back again.
Slow travel doesn’t mean slow business - quite the opposite.
