Kochi, The Queen of the Arabian Sea has once again captured global attention. In a remarkable recognition, Kochi has been named among Booking.com’s Top 10 Trending Destinations to Visit in 2026, standing proudly alongside global hotspots such as Mũi Né (Vietnam), Bilbao (Spain), Barranquilla (Colombia), Guangzhou (China), Manaus (Brazil), Port Douglas (Australia), Münster (Germany), Sal (Cape Verde), and Philadelphia (USA).
What makes this feat even more special is that Kochi is the only Indian city to make it to the prestigious list. The Amsterdam-based travel platform’s annual Travel Predictions Research 2026 highlights destinations that reflect the growing global trend of “traveling your way” – where travelers are designing trips that mirror their personalities, passions, and sense of adventure.
Booking.com describes Kochi as a waterfront city shaped by centuries of global trade and cultural exchange, a destination where heritage meets modern creativity. The report highlights Fort Kochi’s pastel-hued colonial mansions, hip cafés, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets swaying against the Arabian Sea, calling the city “a soulful gateway to southern India’s natural beauty and cultural riches.”
The portal also celebrates Kochi’s thriving art and cultural scene, particularly the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, when the city’s historic spice warehouses transform into avant-garde art spaces attracting artists and travelers from around the world. Kochi’s culinary diversity, rooted in Kerala’s spice-rich traditions, from local toddy shops serving fiery seafood to elegant coastal dining, has also been spotlighted as a key part of its global charm.
Reacting to the announcement, Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas shared his delight on social media: “Kerala’s pride in the heart of the world! Kochi has been selected as one of the 10 trending destinations the world should see in 2026. Cultural heritage, a world of flavors, and beautiful beaches – this is the magic of our Kochi!”
According to Booking.com, Kochi’s appeal lies in its unique mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Its proximity to Kerala’s most scenic escapes – Alappuzha’s tranquil backwaters, Munnar’s misty hills, and Marari’s golden beaches – combined with seamless connectivity through Cochin International Airport, make it an ideal gateway for both domestic and international travelers.
This global spotlight is expected to further boost Kerala’s visibility as a top-tier tourism destination, reinforcing its reputation for wellness, culture, and sustainable travel.
Tourism Minister Riyas added that the recognition “marks a proud moment for Kerala and will further strengthen Kerala Tourism’s position on the world map,” adding that the state’s efforts to combine heritage preservation, responsible tourism, and world-class hospitality are now gaining global recognition.
The Travel Predictions 2026 study was commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among travelers planning leisure or business trips within the next 12–24 months. A total of 29,733 respondents from 33 countries and territories participated in the online survey between July and August 2025, including 1,007 respondents from India.
To determine the Top 10 Trending Destinations for 2026, Booking.com analyzed data from the top 1,000 most-booked destinations on its platform between January 1 and August 31, 2025. The final ranking was based on the highest year-over-year growth in bookings, with slight curation to ensure balanced global geographic representation.
As travel trends evolve toward more meaningful and personalized journeys, Kochi’s blend of history, art, and community spirit makes it a fitting symbol of the new-age traveler’s quest-authentic, soulful, and timeless.
With this honor, Kochi not only shines as Kerala’s cultural capital but also as one of the world’s most enchanting crossroads of heritage, creativity, and coastal beauty, set to inspire global wanderers in 2026 and beyond.
