Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Sleep tourism turns rest and recovery into holiday priorities
Sleep tourism involves travelling specifically to rest, reset or improve sleep habits.
The Global Wellness Institute has identified sleep tourism as a major wellness trend for 2026.
Hilton’s 2025 survey found that two in five travellers consider sleep quality when choosing a hotel.
Research suggests holidays may improve sleep and wellbeing temporarily, but evidence remains limited.
Sleep-focused travel is not a substitute for medical assessment of persistent sleep problems.
- Who
- Travellers interested in rest, recovery and wellness-focused holidays.
- What
- An emerging form of wellness travel in which sleep and relaxation are central parts of the holiday.
- When
- The trend is gaining attention, with the Global Wellness Institute identifying it as a major wellness trend for 2026; cited surveys and studies date from 2024 and earlier.
- Where
- The trend is discussed internationally, with survey data from global travellers and sleep statistics from the United States.
- Why
- Travel disruption, demanding routines and widespread difficulty getting enough sleep are encouraging people to make rest a deliberate part of their holidays.
- Trend forecast
- The Global Wellness Institute identified sleep tourism as a major wellness trend for 2026.
- Sleep economy
- The Global Wellness Institute estimates the global sleep economy at more than $585 billion, including industries beyond tourism.
- United States sleep data
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 30.5% of United States adults got fewer than seven hours of sleep on average in 2024.
- Hotel selection
- Hilton’s 2025 global travel trends survey found that two in five travellers consider whether they will sleep well when choosing a hotel.
- Holiday habits
- Nearly half of respondents in Hilton’s survey said they avoid setting an alarm while on holiday.
- Sleep arrangements
- Hilton’s survey found that 63% said they sleep better alone, while 37% preferred a separate bed from their partner when travelling.
- Research limitation
- Studies suggest holidays may improve sleep and wellbeing, but benefits can diminish after people return to normal routines.