Published on
January 7, 2026
Canada and Mexico have emerged as leading luxury travel destinations for US travelers in 2026, joining the ranks of Uruguay, Estonia, UAE, China, Japan, and more. This trend marks a significant shift in global travel patterns, with these countries showing record-breaking growth in luxury tourism. The surge in interest is driven by a combination of world-class experiences, cultural richness, and premium accommodations that appeal to the growing number of affluent US travelers seeking unique and high-end experiences. This shift underscores the growing appeal of destinations beyond the typical hotspots, reflecting an increasing demand for exclusive travel experiences around the world.
Abu Dhabi has claimed the top spot as the world’s most sought-after luxury travel destination for US travellers in 2026, according to new data from a travel insurance provider. The UAE capital saw an extraordinary 421% year-on-year surge in online searches, a jump that leaves other destinations far behind, including second-place Acapulco, Mexico, which saw a 253% increase. This remarkable rise signals Abu Dhabi’s growing stature in the global luxury travel market.
What sets Abu Dhabi apart is its dynamic combination of cutting-edge modern infrastructure and rich cultural heritage, making it a prime destination for discerning travellers. The city’s prominence on the list underscores its appeal as a key luxury destination in the Middle East, alongside Aswan, Egypt, which also made the top 10. Abu Dhabi offers a mix of world-class art, history, and thrilling outdoor experiences. With iconic sites like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and adventures in the desert, the city is drawing luxury tourists eager for unique and enriching experiences. Additionally, major events like the Formula 1 season finale contribute to its growing reputation as a high-end destination.
Acapulco follows closely in second place, seeing a 253% surge in luxury travel searches. The Mexican city has become a favourite once more for US travellers, who are rediscovering its five-star resorts, sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Acapulco’s appeal has been further amplified by Mexico City’s role as a co-host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, boosting national tourism interest. Other destinations that saw notable spikes in luxury travel searches include Punta del Este, Uruguay, Macau, and Da Nang, Vietnam.
Here’s a look at the top 10 luxury destinations with the most significant growth in US search interest for 2026:
- Abu Dhabi, UAE – +421%
- Acapulco, Mexico – +253%
- Punta del Este, Uruguay – +236%
- Macau, Macau SAR – +87%
- Da Nang, Vietnam – +83%
- Tallinn, Estonia – +39%
- Aswan, Egypt – +35%
- Tokyo, Japan – +34%
- Banff, Canada – +33%
- Chengdu, China – +32%
Abu Dhabi’s ascent in the luxury travel scene can be attributed to the city’s diverse offerings. In the first half of 2025 alone, cultural and heritage sites in the city saw a 47% year-on-year increase in visitors, with more than four million tourists. Louvre Abu Dhabi, one of the city’s top attractions, welcomed over 780,000 visitors during this period. The city’s hotel sector also performed exceptionally well, with 2.9 million hotel guests and a 20% increase in revenue, resulting in an impressive 80% occupancy rate. Abu Dhabi Airports also saw 15.8 million passengers in 2025, reflecting the growing demand for travel to the UAE capital.
Abu Dhabi’s status as a must-visit destination is reinforced by its strong international profile. In 2025, it was named the most popular Christmas destination for UK travellers, with a 91% increase in search interest in the final quarter of the year. Even during the summer months, which are typically quieter for the tourism industry, Abu Dhabi experienced strong performance. Hotels hosted 2.04 million guests during the summer, while key attractions like Yas Island and Saadiyat Island saw a 50% increase in international arrivals.
The city’s reputation for safety continues to bolster its appeal. Abu Dhabi ranked as the world’s safest city for the ninth consecutive year in a safety index, with solo travellers in particular viewing it as one of the safest destinations for travel. Additionally, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was listed among the world’s most visited attractions in 2025, further highlighting Abu Dhabi’s appeal to international tourists.
As Abu Dhabi continues to expand its cultural offerings, the city is poised to become even more prominent in the global tourism scene. The Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi opened in 2025, while the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is set to debut in 2026. These developments contribute to the emirate’s growing reputation as the cultural heart of the region. Under the Tourism Strategy 2030, the city aims to attract 39.3 million visitors and generate AED 90 billion for the economy by the end of the decade. With strategic global partnerships, Abu Dhabi is well-positioned to further enhance its profile as a luxury destination.
Canada and Mexico have joined Uruguay, Estonia, UAE, China, Japan, and more as leading luxury travel destinations for US travelers in 2026, driven by record-breaking growth in demand for unique, high-end experiences. This surge highlights the expanding appeal of premium global destinations.
With its strong performance in cultural tourism, unmatched safety, and growing global appeal, Abu Dhabi is increasingly recognized as a premier luxury destination. As the city continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it is set to remain at the forefront of the luxury travel industry for years to come.
