For South Africa’s most passionate travellers, 2026 is already taking shape in the imagination: sunrise arrivals in new cities, rare dining reservations booked months in advance, and itineraries curated as carefully as investment portfolios. Travel has become more than time away — it has evolved into a high-value lifestyle strategy. For those who work hard, move fast, and live globally, the right trip is a reset, a reward and a reminder of the wider world waiting beyond the boardroom.

And it seems that instinct is not unique. A new Marriott Bonvoy global survey reveals a powerful surge in travel ambition among South Africans—particularly among younger, affluent explorers who are determined to design smarter, more purposeful journeys in the year ahead. Nearly seven in ten say they plan to travel as much, or more, in 2026 despite economic pressures, signalling that travel is no longer considered optional; it’s essential.

Speaking on HOT Business with Jeremy Maggs, powered by Standard Bank, Dorcas Dlamini Mbele, Senior Director, Commercial – Sub-Saharan Africa at Marriott International, says this mindset reflects both confidence and creativity:

“South Africans are travelling with intention. They want better value, deeper experiences, and journeys that reflect who they are.”

Two standout trends are redefining the way those journeys look. The first, known as Lux-Scaping, is the art of adding a touch of five-star indulgence to the beginning or end of a trip — perhaps one perfect night at a luxury spa resort, a Michelin-level welcome dinner, or a suite upgrade to transition back into the real world feeling restored rather than depleted.

The second is the rise of Passion Pursuits, where holidays revolve around the things that move us most: music, sport, adventure, gastronomy and global cultural moments. Think F1 race weekends, concert-tour city-hopping, or destination food pilgrimages.

Technology is accelerating this shift. A striking 59% of South Africans say they would trust AI to plan their accommodation, while sustainability expectations are rising fast, with the country ranking highest among the surveyed regions demanding genuine environmental impact from hospitality brands.

For those who thrive on the thrill of a well-stamped passport, one thing is clear: Travel isn’t just back — it’s becoming more intelligent, more luxurious and more personal than ever.

Listen to the full interview on HOT Business with Jeremy Maggs below: