2026 Travel Stocks Investment Complete Guide: Find the High-Quality Investment Targets That Suit You

The global tourism industry is experiencing an unprecedented recovery. As the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, travel demand worldwide is rapidly rebounding, with emerging markets in Asia becoming the growth engine. In this wave of investment enthusiasm, tourism stocks have become a focus for many investors. But faced with numerous options, investors often don’t know which ones are better. This article will systematically analyze the investment value of tourism stocks to help you find truly high-quality targets worth buying.

Why Now Is a Good Time to Invest in Tourism Stocks

By 2025, the global tourism industry has achieved a milestone. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism contributed $11.7 trillion to the global economy, accounting for 10.3% of global GDP. International tourist spending reached a record $2.1 trillion, surpassing the pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

The U.S. domestic travel market also performed strongly, with expenditures reaching $1.35 trillion in 2025, a 3.9% increase year-over-year. In terms of employment, the tourism sector added 14 million jobs, bringing total global tourism employment to 371 million. These figures clearly indicate that people are investing more time and money into travel.

However, opportunities always come with challenges. Although the overall outlook is bright, the global tourism growth rate in 2025 is only 2-5%, well below the 6-9% expected earlier this year. Economic slowdown in the U.S., international trade tensions, and exchange rate fluctuations have put pressure on the industry. In such an environment, stock selection becomes especially important.

A Seven-Layer Analytical Framework for Selecting Quality Tourism Stocks

To find true winners among numerous tourism stocks, investors need a systematic analysis approach. The industry’s “Top-Down” analysis method provides clear criteria:

Layer 1: Macroeconomic Environment Assessment
Tourism is inherently a barometer of the economy. An economic expansion is the best time to invest in tourism stocks, as consumers have more disposable income for leisure vacations. Determining the current phase of the global economic cycle is the first step in stock selection.

Layer 2: Industry Growth Trend Analysis
Focus on emerging trends in tourism consumption—such as road trips, adventure tourism, remote work vacations, and local tourism. Companies that can capitalize on these new trends are more likely to achieve excess growth.

Layer 3: Competitive Landscape Evaluation
In mature markets, competition is fierce. Look for companies with barriers to entry, solid industry positions, and the ability to build moats—such as strong brands, technological advantages, and extensive networks.

Layer 4: Business Model Examination
Analyze the core competitiveness of target companies. Strong branding, differentiated services, and leading technology applications are key indicators of profitability.

Layer 5: Financial Health Check
A robust financial position is a fortress against risks. Examine debt levels, cash flow, profit margins, and other indicators to assess a company’s resilience to shocks.

Layer 6: Adaptability Evaluation
The tourism industry is evolving rapidly. Digital bookings, AI recommendations, and personalized experiences—companies that can quickly adapt to these changes will have long-term competitiveness.

Layer 7: Risk Identification and Assessment
Tourism stocks are highly sensitive to external shocks. Political instability, pandemics, and natural disasters can severely impact the industry. Investors need to identify these potential risks and evaluate companies’ risk resistance.

Nine High-Quality Tourism Stocks to Watch

Based on the above framework, we have selected nine tourism stocks with outstanding performance in 2025 and promising prospects for 2026.

Online Travel Platforms

Trip.com Group Limited (TCOM)
As Asia’s leading travel technology company, Trip.com offers a comprehensive online booking platform integrating hotels, flights, car rentals, and travel packages. Founded in 1999 by James Liang, Neil Shen, Min Fan, and Qi Ji, it was formerly Ctrip.com.

In 2025, Trip.com maintained strong growth driven by Asia’s recovery and international expansion. The company actively applies AI to enhance user experience. The target price is 66% higher than current levels. Current price: $66.38, Market Cap: $43.45 billion, Forward P/E: 15.98, TTM EPS: 3.63, Dividend Yield: 0.42%.

Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG)
As the world’s largest online travel platform, Booking owns brands like Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable. Founded in 1997 in Connecticut, USA, it now covers over 27,000 accommodation options globally.

In Q1 2025, Booking’s revenue grew 8% quarter-over-quarter, profit increased 22%, exceeding analyst expectations. Barclays rates it as a “Buy.” Current price: $5,216.55, Market Cap: $169.75 billion, Forward P/E: 32.74, TTM EPS: 162.76, Dividend Yield: 0.70%.

Expedia Group Inc. (EXPE)
Founded in 1996 as a Microsoft project led by Richard Barton, Expedia has become a key player in global online travel bookings, with brands including Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo, Orbitz, and Travelocity.

In H1 2025, hotel bookings on Expedia increased 6%. The company announced its first quarterly dividend ($0.40 per share). New CFO Scott Schenkel has driven organizational improvements, with AI enhancing booking experiences. Current price: $169.22, Market Cap: $21.51 billion, Forward P/E: 19.95, TTM EPS: 8.97, Dividend Yield: 0.95%.

Cruise Operators

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL)
Founded in 1968 by Norwegian entrepreneurs Sigurd Skaugen, Anders Wilhelmsen, Gotaas Larsen, and American businessman Ed Stephan, Royal Caribbean owns 67 ships and is a leader in the cruise industry.

In Q1 2025, it reported EPS of $2.71 and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share. Demand for premium and large cruise ships remains strong. Current price: $251.36, Market Cap: $68.26 billion, Forward P/E: 20.81, TTM EPS: 12.32, Dividend Yield: 0.97%.

Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL)
Founded by Ted Arison in 1972, Carnival is the largest cruise operator globally, with brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Seabourn.

Post-COVID debt restructuring and operational adjustments, Carnival shows signs of recovery in 2025, with strong bookings and higher average prices. New ships with energy-saving tech are in the pipeline. Current price: $22.99, Market Cap: $29.87 billion, Forward P/E: 15.14, TTM EPS: 1.62, Dividend Yield: 0.50%.

Hotel Groups

Marriott International (MAR)
Founded in 1927 by J. Willard Marriott and his wife Alice, Marriott started as a small beer supply business (“Hot Shoppe”) before shifting to hotels in 1957. Today, it’s one of the world’s largest hotel groups.

In Q1 2025, Marriott’s global RevPAR increased 4.1%. The acquisition of Dutch boutique brand citizenM expanded its upscale market presence. The company also announced a 6.3% quarterly dividend increase. Current price: $272.59, Market Cap: $74.66 billion, Forward P/E: 31.22, TTM EPS: 8.81, Dividend Yield: 0.98%.

Diversified Entertainment & Travel Conglomerates

The Walt Disney Company (DIS)
Founded in 1923 by Walt and Roy Disney, Disney evolved from animation into a global entertainment giant, with businesses spanning theme parks, streaming, and film.

In Q2 2025, Disney earned $1.45 per share, with total revenue up 7%. Disney+ added 1.4 million subscribers. The company benefits from theme park recovery, new content, and international expansion. Current price: $112.94, Market Cap: $203.24 billion, Forward P/E: 22.75, TTM EPS: 4.91, Dividend Yield: 0.89%.

Transportation Service Providers

Uber Technologies (UBER)
Founded in 2008 in Paris by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick, Uber has become a leader in mobility, including ride-hailing, food delivery, and autonomous driving.

In Q1 2025, Uber reported EPS of $0.83 and over 150 million monthly active users. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi emphasizes autonomous driving as Uber’s biggest opportunity. Current price: $90.41, Market Cap: $1890.6 billion, Forward P/E: 15.99, TTM EPS: 5.85.

United Airlines Holdings (UAL)
Founded in 1926 by Walter Varney, UAL is one of the three major U.S. airlines, with key hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, and San Francisco.

Despite economic concerns, UAL forecasts EPS of $11.50–$13.50 for 2026. The airline is adjusting routes, planning a 4% domestic flight cut in Q3, but international and premium markets remain strong. Current price: $78.99, Market Cap: $25.8 billion, Forward P/E: 7.53, TTM EPS: 11.14.

Financial Data Comparison

Tourism Stock Investment Outlook: Opportunities and Risks

Supporting Factors for a Bright Future

Strong Consumer Spending
Despite macro uncertainties, people’s enthusiasm for travel remains high. In 2025, U.S. travel expenditure hit $1.35 trillion, showing that the middle class continues to allocate significant disposable income to leisure.

Continuous Job Growth
The tourism industry created 14 million new jobs, with total employment reaching 371 million globally. These jobs boost income and consumption, creating a positive feedback loop.

Clear Long-Term Growth Trajectory
WTTC forecasts that by 2035, the tourism industry will reach $16.5 trillion, accounting for 11.5% of global GDP, with an average annual growth of 3.5%, outpacing the global economy’s 2.5%. This indicates tourism as a long-term economic bright spot.

Risks to Watch

Economic Recession Risks
Skift Research lowered the 2025 growth forecast from 6-9% to 2-5%. Slowdowns in major markets like the U.S., China, and Germany threaten demand. In early April 2025, online travel stocks collectively declined about 5%, with the Skift Travel 200 index under pressure.

Uneven Regional Recovery
While some markets perform well, global recovery is uneven. The U.S. market has not fully recovered, impacting earnings prospects for U.S. cruise and airline companies.

Macroeconomic Policy Uncertainty
New U.S. government policies on tariffs and exchange rates continue to trouble markets, affecting international travel, business trips, and currency stability.

Persistent Interest Rate and Inflation Effects
Although rate cuts are expected later this year, high interest rates still suppress consumer spending. Inflation raises travel costs, indirectly dampening demand.

Investment Recommendations by Style

Growth Investors

Trip.com (TCOM) and Uber (UBER) suit growth-focused investors. Both operate in fast-growing markets, leveraging advanced technology and expansion potential. Trip.com benefits from Asia’s recovery; Uber from commercialization of autonomous driving.

Value Investors

United Airlines (UAL) and Carnival (CCL) offer clear value opportunities. UAL’s forward P/E is only 7.53; Carnival’s recovery from debt restructuring presents upside potential.

Income Investors

Royal Caribbean (RCL), Marriott (MAR), and Expedia (EXPE) provide attractive dividend yields of 0.97%, 0.98%, and 0.95%, respectively. They are established with strong cash flows.

Balanced Investors

Disney (DIS) offers diversified business segments—theme parks, streaming, movies—providing a good risk-adjusted return. It participates in tourism recovery while benefiting from entertainment growth.

Global Exposure Seekers

Booking Holdings (BKNG), despite a higher valuation (Forward P/E 32.74), remains a global leader with solid growth prospects, making it ideal for those bullish on worldwide travel recovery.

Three Ways to Start Investing in Tourism Stocks

Method 1: Direct Purchase of Foreign Stocks

Use local online brokerage platforms (e.g., Dime, Innovest X) to buy these tourism stocks directly.

Steps:

1. Download and verify your identity
2. Convert local currency and deposit into your trading account
3. Search for stock codes (e.g., TCOM, RCL)
4. Place buy orders and hold long-term

Advantages: Direct ownership, dividends, voting rights—suitable for long-term investors.

Method 2: Trading CFDs (Contracts for Difference)

Trade with leverage via CFD platforms like Mitrade or IC Markets, without paying full purchase price.

Example (Airbnb):

1. Register and verify (3 minutes)
2. Deposit (from $50) or use demo account ($50,000 virtual funds)
3. Search for ABNB
4. Set leverage, take profit, and stop-loss
5. Open position

Advantages: Flexible, low capital requirement, can go long or short—ideal for short-term traders.

Method 3: Indirect Investment via Tourism Funds or ETFs

For those who prefer a diversified approach, tourism-themed funds or ETFs managed by professional fund managers offer a basket of stocks.

Final Advice for 2026 Tourism Stock Investment

Tourism stocks are indeed a promising investment theme. Although growth in 2025 was below expectations, the industry’s fundamentals remain solid—record-high global travel expenditure, expanding employment, and clear long-term growth prospects.

The question of which is better depends on individual preferences:

• Growth seekers may prefer Trip.com or Uber
• Value investors might choose UAL or Carnival
• Income-focused investors could favor cruise lines or hotel groups
• Risk-averse investors might consider Disney’s diversified model

The key is to tailor your strategy based on your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. The long-term upward trend of tourism remains intact—by selecting the right companies and holding patiently, you can participate in this vital engine of global economic growth.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investing involves risks; please make decisions carefully based on your own situation.