Asia Pacific Travellers Seek Familiarity, Practicality, Flexibility Amid Shifting Global Dynamics: Visa Report

Visa's 2026 Global Travel Intentions study shows how Asia Pacific travellers seek trusted destinations, plan with greater intent, and seek flexibility to navigate global uncertainties

SINGAPORE, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Visa, a global leader in payments, unveils key findings from the 2026 Global Travel Intentions (GTI) study, the latest edition of its flagship global study that has captured global travel patterns and preferences for over 20 years.

The study was conducted among over 47,000 respondents worldwide, including more than 17,000 in Asia Pacific markets. This year's edition reveals an important finding: Travellers in the region are responding to global shifts not by travelling less but with greater intentionality – focusing on familiarity, practicality, and flexibility.

Asia Pacific travellers seek familiar favourites, but passions guide them

In a global environment shaped by rising costs and uncertainty, Asia Pacific travellers are reconfiguring their travel footprints – choosing to visit destinations closer to home that offer familiarity, ease of access, and confidence in planning.

According to the GTI study:

• 63 percent of respondents surveyed travelled to destinations within Asia Pacific, dwarfing planned travel to Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa (16%), Europe (13%), and North America (6%).
• Japan was the top destination for nearly one in five respondents (19%), followed by Australia (7%). Thailand, South Korea, and Hong Kong SAR round out the top five at about 5 percent each.
• When asked about planned travel destinations in the coming 12 months, more than one in four (28%) still cite Japan as a destination, followed by 16% for Australia, and 13% for Hong Kong SAR and South Korea.

While Asia Pacific travellers turn to familiar destinations, many are still lining up travel plans to discover unique experiences and pursue their passions:

• 37 percent of Asia Pacific respondents plan their trips around unique local experiences, especially those related to food and culture – exceeding the global average of 29 percent.
• One in four respondents said they would travel for major live entertainment and sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Formula 1™*, and K-Pop.

AI enables practical planning, due diligence

Travellers in Asia Pacific are also becoming methodical when planning for their trips, at a time when conditions at their travel destinations are fluid. According to the GTI study, travellers in Asia Pacific actively "sense-check" various aspects before their trips, from core needs like accommodations to blind spots like insurance, visa requirements, to monitoring local current events.

AI simplifies pre-trip preparations and complements travel websites and social media as key research channels. Nearly half (49%) of respondents use AI tools to discover destinations and ideas – making it the most frequent use case. Other top uses include:

• Gather and curate travel reviews and recommendations (41%)
• Discover local tours and experiences (35%)

Payments are an essential part of pre-trip due diligence. Payment security is top of mind for respondents (33%), followed by card acceptance at 27 percent. These echo how digital payments are a staple for Asia Pacific travellers, with 73 percent bringing along cards or mobile wallets on their trips.

Travellers lock in essentials early, but leave space for flexibility

While travel planning has become more strategic and deliberate, travel experiences do not become rigid and predictable. Instead, travellers lock in essential bookings early and value spontaneity and are open to changing their plans once they arrive:

• Almost four in five (79%) booked accommodations in advance of the trip
• But only half of respondents (51%) booked experiences in advance, suggesting that travellers keep their options open until they reach their travel destinations
• 72 percent of dining decisions are made after reaching their destinations, while 65 percent of transport choices are made during this stage

Danielle Jin, Chief Marketing Officer at Visa Asia Pacific said: "The latest Global Travel Intentions study affirms the importance of travel to Asia Pacific. Travel is not slowing – it is becoming more planned, purposeful, and intentional. As digital-first travellers seek familiar sights and plan more practically, what matters is how destinations, businesses, and issuers enable every traveller to explore the places they love in their own way, from using AI to help travellers pursue their passions, values, and aspirations to delivering secure and seamless payment experiences at every stage of their journeys."

To access the full Global Travel Intentions study or learn how to work with Visa, speak to your Visa representative or contact Visa's Asia Pacific Strategy, Insights, and Analytics team at APInsights&Analytics@visa.com.

*Formula 1 is a registered trademark owned by Formula One Licensing B.V., a subsidiary of the Formula One Group

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

Visa supports global events that inspire people worldwide, from sports and music to fashion and entertainment. As the official payment technology partner of the FIFA World Cup™ since 2007 and through partnerships with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Formula 1, and Shanghai Fashion Week, Visa enables effortless participation for fans of all ages through seamless and secure transaction experiences, shaping cultural conversations, and driving cross-border commerce.

Visa's 2026 Global Travel Intentions study shows how Asia Pacific travellers seek trusted destinations, plan with greater intent, and seek flexibility to navigate global uncertainties

SINGAPORE, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Visa, a global leader in payments, unveils key findings from the 2026 Global Travel Intentions (GTI) study, the latest edition of its flagship global study that has captured global travel patterns and preferences for over 20 years.

The study was conducted among over 47,000 respondents worldwide, including more than 17,000 in Asia Pacific markets. This year's edition reveals an important finding: Travellers in the region are responding to global shifts not by travelling less but with greater intentionality – focusing on familiarity, practicality, and flexibility.

Asia Pacific travellers seek familiar favourites, but passions guide them

In a global environment shaped by rising costs and uncertainty, Asia Pacific travellers are reconfiguring their travel footprints – choosing to visit destinations closer to home that offer familiarity, ease of access, and confidence in planning.

According to the GTI study:

• 63 percent of respondents surveyed travelled to destinations within Asia Pacific, dwarfing planned travel to Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa (16%), Europe (13%), and North America (6%).
• Japan was the top destination for nearly one in five respondents (19%), followed by Australia (7%). Thailand, South Korea, and Hong Kong SAR round out the top five at about 5 percent each.
• When asked about planned travel destinations in the coming 12 months, more than one in four (28%) still cite Japan as a destination, followed by 16% for Australia, and 13% for Hong Kong SAR and South Korea.

While Asia Pacific travellers turn to familiar destinations, many are still lining up travel plans to discover unique experiences and pursue their passions:

• 37 percent of Asia Pacific respondents plan their trips around unique local experiences, especially those related to food and culture – exceeding the global average of 29 percent.
• One in four respondents said they would travel for major live entertainment and sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Formula 1™*, and K-Pop.

AI enables practical planning, due diligence

Travellers in Asia Pacific are also becoming methodical when planning for their trips, at a time when conditions at their travel destinations are fluid. According to the GTI study, travellers in Asia Pacific actively "sense-check" various aspects before their trips, from core needs like accommodations to blind spots like insurance, visa requirements, to monitoring local current events.

AI simplifies pre-trip preparations and complements travel websites and social media as key research channels. Nearly half (49%) of respondents use AI tools to discover destinations and ideas – making it the most frequent use case. Other top uses include:

• Gather and curate travel reviews and recommendations (41%)
• Discover local tours and experiences (35%)

Payments are an essential part of pre-trip due diligence. Payment security is top of mind for respondents (33%), followed by card acceptance at 27 percent. These echo how digital payments are a staple for Asia Pacific travellers, with 73 percent bringing along cards or mobile wallets on their trips.

Travellers lock in essentials early, but leave space for flexibility

While travel planning has become more strategic and deliberate, travel experiences do not become rigid and predictable. Instead, travellers lock in essential bookings early and value spontaneity and are open to changing their plans once they arrive:

• Almost four in five (79%) booked accommodations in advance of the trip
• But only half of respondents (51%) booked experiences in advance, suggesting that travellers keep their options open until they reach their travel destinations
• 72 percent of dining decisions are made after reaching their destinations, while 65 percent of transport choices are made during this stage

Danielle Jin, Chief Marketing Officer at Visa Asia Pacific said: "The latest Global Travel Intentions study affirms the importance of travel to Asia Pacific. Travel is not slowing – it is becoming more planned, purposeful, and intentional. As digital-first travellers seek familiar sights and plan more practically, what matters is how destinations, businesses, and issuers enable every traveller to explore the places they love in their own way, from using AI to help travellers pursue their passions, values, and aspirations to delivering secure and seamless payment experiences at every stage of their journeys."

To access the full Global Travel Intentions study or learn how to work with Visa, speak to your Visa representative or contact Visa's Asia Pacific Strategy, Insights, and Analytics team at APInsights&Analytics@visa.com.

*Formula 1 is a registered trademark owned by Formula One Licensing B.V., a subsidiary of the Formula One Group

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

Visa supports global events that inspire people worldwide, from sports and music to fashion and entertainment. As the official payment technology partner of the FIFA World Cup™ since 2007 and through partnerships with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Formula 1, and Shanghai Fashion Week, Visa enables effortless participation for fans of all ages through seamless and secure transaction experiences, shaping cultural conversations, and driving cross-border commerce.

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

Asia Pacific Travellers Seek Familiarity, Practicality, Flexibility Amid Shifting Global Dynamics: Visa Report

HOUSTON, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As a host city for big games this summer, Houston is gearing up for massive matchday celebrations at local bars, food trucks and backyard watch parties. Yet a common headache plagues every big sports event: ice shortages.

Per the National Restaurant Association, beverage sales at bars and restaurants surge 30–50% during major sporting events. Starting June 22, crowds of fans will flood venues across Houston, driving rocketing demand for cold drinks — while ice supplies quickly run thin. Supermarket fridges sell out before kickoff, home ice runs low by halftime, and many fans even miss thrilling game moments just to grab extra ice from convenience stores.

VEVOR steps in to fix the problem. The brand officially unveils its citywide campaign "Free Ice for Game Nights" across Houston this June and July. The activation includes two core parts: an immersive watch party at VEVOR's Houston flagship store, plus collaborations with local bars and mobile drink carts. The activation turns a common matchday pain point into a live product experience, showing how VEVOR brings pro-level performance into real home entertaining and small-business scenarios. Powered by VEVOR Integrated Ice Makers, the campaign lets local fans experience unlimited ice supply for all game-day gatherings.

VEVOR Houston Store: Tournament Watch Party Experience, Live

Matchdays in Houston will bring fans together at homes, bars, and local gathering spots. With 'Free Ice for Game Nights,' VEVOR wants to help people enjoy those moments without worrying about running out of ice," said Jalal, Store Manager at VEVOR. "More importantly, it gives fans, hosts, and small business owners a hands-on way to experience VEVOR's promise: pro-level performance without the pro-level price."

The VEVOR Houston flagship store will serve as a dedicated watch party venue during the campaign period. On event days, visitors can enjoy a full range of experiences:

• Large-screen live match broadcasts for fans to enjoy games on-site;

• Free ice service supported by 3 to 5 on-site VEVOR Integrated Ice Makers. Guests can witness the full ice-making process live, with the first batch of ice ready in just 10 minutes, and take free ice for their drinks;

• Outdoor interactive activities, including football shooting games and Lucky Ice Spin Wheel. Participants have chances to win exclusive ice maker coupons and themed gifts.

• Additionally, a daily lucky draw gives visitors the chance to win a free VEVOR Integrated Ice Maker, turning every game night visit into a potential take-home moment.

This immersive experience showcases the outstanding performance of VEVOR high-output ice makers in a tangible way. Instead of reading product specifications, household hosts and local bar owners can see and test the machine on site. It fully proves that the $298.2 ice maker is fully capable of meeting high-demand scenarios during busy match nights.

Partner Bars & Mobile Drink Carts: On-Demand Free Ice for Fan Gathering Spots

Alongside the flagship experience, VEVOR is partnering with 10–20 of Houston's most popular tournament-viewing bars and Partner Bars & Mobile Drink Carts: On-Demand Free Ice for Fan Gathering Spot and night markets across the city. Each cart is equipped with a live VEVOR Integrated Ice Maker, producing ice continuously during event hours.

The proposition is straightforward: wherever fans gather to watch, free ice is there. No crowds jostling for a bar tab, no running out before the final whistle. The machine runs — the ice keeps coming.

For the participating bars, this partnership offers more than free ice—it gives bar owners and small-business operators a firsthand look at how VEVOR ice makers perform under real peak-hour pressure.. Match nights generate some of the highest sustained demand a bar will see all year. An ice maker that holds up under that pressure — producing 120 lbs of ice per day, with a first batch ready in 10 minutes — earns serious credibility with the owner standing behind the bar. At $298.2, that performance gap closes for good.

The Machine That Makes It Possible: VEVOR Integrated Ice Maker

Both activations run on VEVOR Integrated Ice Makers — the same machine available on Amazon for $298.2:

Feature	Specification
Daily Output	120 lbs/day
First Batch	Ready in 10 minutes
Noise Level	50 dB
Scheduling	48-hour programmable
Retail Price	$298.2

Feature

Specification

Daily Output

120 lbs/day

First Batch

Ready in 10 minutes

Noise Level

50 dB

Scheduling

48-hour programmable

Retail Price

$298.2

For bar owners, food truck operators, and backyard hosts, the machine answers the same question differently: at $298.2, with this output, the product offers an accessible option for high-demand matchday ice needs.

Explore the full product at amazon.com/dp/B0GRL8LNC8.

About VEVOR

Pro-Level Performance Without the Pro-Level Price. VEVOR is a home improvement brand built for Home Creators who want to upgrade their spaces with practical, high-performing products at exceptional value. From outdoor living and tools to home improvement equipment and everyday project essentials, VEVOR helps people take on upgrades with confidence, efficiency, and value.

Today, VEVOR operates in over 50 countries, supported by a network of 200+ global warehouses and a catalog of more than 15,000 SKUs spanning tools, outdoor equipment, and home improvement solutions. VEVOR has supported over 30 million Home Creators worldwide, bringing performance, inspiration, and value to their home improvement projects.

In 2026, VEVOR opened its first flagship store in Houston, Texas — marking the brand's expansion from e-commerce into physical retail and bringing the VEVOR experience directly to Home Creators in person.

Event Details What: VEVOR "Free Ice for Game Nights" – 2026 Houston Activation When: Phase 1 – Flagship Store Watch Party: June 26–27, 2026, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Phase 2 – Local Bar Partnerships: June 28–30, 2026, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Where: VEVOR Houston Flagship Store + partner bar locations across Houston (TBD) Partner bars: TBD Product: VEVOR Integrated Ice Maker on Amazon

Event Details

What: VEVOR "Free Ice for Game Nights" – 2026 Houston Activation

When:

Phase 1 – Flagship Store Watch Party: June 26–27, 2026, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Phase 2 – Local Bar Partnerships: June 28–30, 2026, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: VEVOR Houston Flagship Store + partner bar locations across Houston (TBD)

Partner bars: TBD

Product: VEVOR Integrated Ice Maker on Amazon

Media Contact
VEVOR Communications
media@vevor.com

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

VEVOR Launches "Free Ice for Game Nights" Activation in Houston

VEVOR Launches "Free Ice for Game Nights" Activation in Houston