The 10 secret destinations that will conquer world tourism in 2026

KAYAK reveals the emerging destinations set to trend in 2026. Cork, Chongqing and Harbin top the list. Generation Z and millennials are looking for places still to be discovered. Discover the full ranking and be surprised.

The travel search engine KAYAK has published its eagerly awaited annual report on tourism trends, and the results leave no one indifferent: Generation Z and millennials are betting heavily on little-known destinations for their next holidays. According to data collected on TikTok, 71% of young people and 75% of millennials prefer to explore places beyond the traditional radar.

At the top of the ranking is Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, which is establishing itself as Dublin’s relaxed, modern alternative. Famous for its food scene and welcoming character, Cork becomes the epicentre of Irish culture during the Cork Fringe Festival, from 8 to 10 May, when theatre, comedy and authentic pubs take over the streets.

The report places two Chinese cities in second and third place: Chongqing, surrounded by mountains and with a key role in the country’s history, and Harbin, renowned for its Russian-influenced architecture and its enormous ice sculpture festival.

According to KAYAK, the top 10 emerging destinations for 2026 are completed by Zakynthos (Greece), Shenzhen (China), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Hilo in Hawaii, Nouméa in New Caledonia, La Romana in the Dominican Republic and Luxembourg. A list that promises surprises and new experiences for the most adventurous travellers.