Spanish tourism faces 2026 in a context of moderation, but without signs of fatigue. Traveling remains a priority for households, although the international situation and economic conditions are leading Spaniards to adjust how they plan and enjoy their trips. This is revealed in the "Ávoris Travel Insights" report, based on a survey of 700 travelers and data from the INE, showing a resilient sector that is more cautious in spending and increasingly reliant on digital tools and artificial intelligence. Leisure travel spending maintains a positive trend, although growth is more moderate following increases in previous years. The study indicates that the number of trips stabilizes around 100 million, while the average spending per trip continues to rise. This reflects a change in habits: Spaniards are traveling slightly less but investing more in each getaway, prioritizing quality and value of experience over quantity. Looking ahead to 2026, more than half of Spaniards say they will take at least one leisure trip, a figure that has increased since the end of 2025, as uncertainty decreases and plans solidify. However, this greater intention does not imply more trips: the average number of planned trips drops from 3.1 to 2.7, and the average budget decreases from 3,090 to 2,780 euros. Travelers are more prudent but do not give up their vacations. The geopolitical environment significantly influences decision-making. More than 70% of respondents acknowledge that the international situation affects their planning a lot or quite a bit, especially when choosing a destination. This influence translates into changes in destination, dates, or itineraries, rather than cancellations. Western Europe and Spain gain weight as safe destinations, at the expense of long-distance travel or to less stable regions. Artificial intelligence is consolidating as a key factor in the transformation of tourism. Nearly one-third of travelers already use AI, mainly conversational assistants like ChatGPT or Gemini, especially in the planning phase. AI is used to search for information, design routes, compare options, and resolve doubts. More than 70% of users say it has influenced some travel decision. Despite its growing use, AI does not replace other sources. Most travelers cross-check information with booking platforms, specialized websites, or agencies, and trust remains the main challenge. The most common concerns are the reliability of data, its updating, and potential commercial biases. Travel agencies maintain a high level of trust. AI is seen as a complement to human advice, not a substitute. The future of the sector lies in hybrid models that integrate technology, personalization, and expert attention. The profile of the traveler using AI is younger, more educated, and economically capable, more international, and willing to spend more. They are planners, digital, and demanding travelers who seek to maximize their experience and are interested in urban, cultural, and experiential proposals. In summary, Spanish tourism enters a stage of maturity and adaptation. Less impulsive, more selective, and increasingly digital, the traveler of 2026 demonstrates that, even in times of uncertainty, traveling remains essential. Source: larazon.es