Northeast Asia’s travel market is booming, with digital bookings set to exceed $30 billion by 2026. Meanwhile, Airbnb is expanding into the experiences sector, competing with Viator and GetYourGuide. As AI-driven travel planning grows, businesses must adapt to digital trends to stay competitive in the evolving industry.
The Future of Travel: Airbnb’s Big Move & Northeast Asia’s Digital Boom
The travel industry is evolving rapidly, with major shifts in digital bookings, AI-driven planning, and new competition in the experiences market. Two key developments shaping this transformation are Northeast Asia’s growing digital travel sector and Airbnb’s ambitious expansion into experiences.
Northeast Asia’s travel market is undergoing a significant digital transformation, with online travel bookings projected to exceed $30 billion by 2026. China’s reopening has fueled a surge in travel to South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau, while Taiwan’s recovery remains slower. Governments in the region are actively working to boost inbound tourism, aiming for 40 million arrivals by 2030.
The real game-changer? AI-powered tools and mobile-first travel booking. More than 57% of all bookings are expected to be digital by 2026, with technology playing a crucial role in how travelers plan and book their trips. Businesses that adopt automation, smart integrations, and frictionless digital experiences will gain a competitive edge in this growing market.
While digital adoption is accelerating, economic uncertainties in 2025 could impact travel recovery. This makes it even more important for businesses to adapt to these shifting consumer behaviors and leverage technology for long-term success.
Airbnb is making a bold push into the experiences sector, moving beyond home bookings and directly competing with major players like Viator and GetYourGuide. Initially, Airbnb’s Experiences focused on host-led activities, offering travelers unique, local adventures. Now, the company is expanding its platform to include mainstream attractions and professionally guided tours.
This means that travelers will soon be able to book tours of major landmarks like the Vatican or the Louvre directly through Airbnb. To attract tour operators, Airbnb is introducing easier listing tools, competitive commission rates, and API integrations.
The challenge? Airbnb must maintain its brand identity as a provider of unique, local experiences while integrating more traditional tour offerings. The company plans to reveal more details in May, but one thing is certain—Airbnb is doubling down on the experience economy, aiming to drive revenue beyond just accommodations.
The future of travel is becoming more seamless, personalized, and technology-driven. Those who adapt early will be best positioned to capture demand and thrive in this new landscape.
