by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 11:55 AM ET, Mon August 31, 2026
Travellers wanting to stay active while they are on holiday are a growing segment of the market, reports Trip.com. And it’s not just a slight rise in numbers. Across the globe, searches for active travel options on Trip.com rose by more than 30 percent year on year, with some European markets showing whopping triple-digit growth.
Spending shows a similar upwards curve, with an overall increase of 40 percent in gross merchandise value (GMV) year over year. Stand out spenders include South Korea (+150 percent), Thailand (+200 percent) and Germany, with a staggering growth of 600 percent in GMV over the previous year.
(Photo Credit: Trip.com)
Where Travellers are Going and What They are Doing
Adventures can be found for travellers with even the most niche activity interests, but Trip.com has pinpointed some clear trends when it comes to what’s popular.
Diving is the most-booked sporting experience, and leads bookings in South Korea, Malaysia, Germany, Spain, Italy and France. Ziplining and paragliding are next up in terms of what travellers are booking, with skydiving (the top activity for Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand) and cycling (strongest preference for Japanese travellers) rounding out the list.
(Photo Credit: Trip.com)
The most popular destinations to spend an active vacation are Thailand, China, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia, particularly for cycling, climbing, swimming, water sports and adventure experiences.
(Photo Credit: Trip.com)
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