Travel TrendsGlobal peacefulness is deteriorating across the globe, but a few countries stand apart.

Looking for peace of mind? Start with these destinations

By Travel Weekly Asia

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Jun 16, 2026

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Iceland is again recognised as the world’s most peaceful country. Credit: Visit Iceland.

Iceland is again recognised as the world’s most peaceful country. Credit: Visit Iceland.

Iceland has been named the most peaceful country in the world, closely followed by New Zealand.

Produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the Global Peace Index presents comprehensive data-driven analysis on current trends in peace, its economic value, and how to develop peaceful societies.

Iceland – the “land of ice and fire” remains the world's safest country for the 19th consecutive year. It ranks highly for safety, low levels of conflict and limited militarisation.

The nation’s annual tourist numbers have stabilised to between 2.1 and 2.3 million, with key developments including the introduction of volcanic-themed attractions and wellness retreats, combined with an emphasis on culinary tourism.

IEP says that while global peacefulness is deteriorating across the globe, a few countries stand apart, including Singapore, which makes the top 10 most peaceful countries in the world.

Top 10 countries in the 2026 Global Peace Index

Iceland
New Zealand
Switzerland
Slovenia
Ireland
Austria
Portugal
Singapore
Finland
Japan

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Iceland is again recognised as the world’s most peaceful country. Credit: Visit Iceland.

Looking for peace of mind? Start with these destinationsGlobal peacefulness is deteriorating across the globe, but a few countries stand apart.

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Iceland is again recognised as the world’s most peaceful country. Credit: Visit Iceland.

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The trend is especially visible in Indonesia, where 32% of travellers plan to take 11 or more trips in 2026.

Meet Asia's new perpetual traveller73% of Asian Gen Z travellers expect to take between one and six trips a year.

Compared to travellers in other regions, APAC consumers are taking longer to commit and more actively using AI in for end-to-end trip planning.

Turning interest into bookings is getting harder for travel brandsAPAC travellers are browsing longer, comparing more and booking later: report.

More than half of those canvassed find the recommendations made by AI to be generic.

AI is driving travellers to seek the familiar, not the fantasticAPAC travellers are inspired by everything, persuaded by almost nothing.

Far from being dead-ended, travel paths are being redrawn.

The great travel diversion is now happeningA new Visa report reveals how airspace disruptions and rising costs are redrawing Asia Pacific travel flows.

Alternative transport options have also stepped up to shift more travellers in this time: rails and cruises. Pictured: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.

China’s May Day travel boom skips Southeast Asia this yearHigher fares and sudden flight cancellations shift Golden Week demand to domestic and nearby markets.

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Singapore’s outbound travel market is recalibrating, not retreating.

Is the Middle East crisis deterring Singapore travellers?Demand holds firm at NATAS fair, with intra-Asia travel and cruising gaining ground.

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Survey find that nearly half (47%) of all respondents now believe that influencers can’t be trusted and are just “selling something”.

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Families constitute the largest traveller segment, contributing 53.2% of outbound travel, followed by groups at 24.4%.

China’s powerhouse travel demand shows no sign of slowingFood, affordability and social media shape destination choice.

APAC travellers show an increasing divide between experience-driven travel and balancing tighter purse strings.

APAC shows split personalities when it comes to travelWhy China, India and Australia are splurging, while Japan and South Korea hold back.

Digital gap in the experiences sector offers opportunities for travel agents.

Experiences become travel’s fastest growing segmentThe US$342bn market is booming, but only one-third of bookings are made online.

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China’s travellers make a strong run for overseasYear of the Horse sees Chinese travel demand stretch further.

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