KUALA LUMPUR, November 15 — A new global report by Trip.com Group and Google, titled Why Travel?, unveils how travellers are redefining the way they explore the world, choosing experiences, meaning, and connection over traditional sightseeing.
The study reveals five major trends — Travel as Expression, Travel with Purpose, Travel to Heal, Travel to Connect, and Travel of Tomorrow — showing Kuala Lumpur’s rise as a global fashion destination alongside Paris and Milan, while 66% of Malaysians now combine concerts or festivals with family vacations.
The report also highlights a surge in wellness tourism, cultural curiosity, and AI-driven trip planning, marking a new era where travel in 2026 and beyond is driven by identity, purpose, and technology.
