As conflicts and political tensions affect more regions, many travelers will increasingly choose destinations known for stability, safety, and welcoming hospitality. Countries with peaceful environments, natural beauty, and reliable infrastructure will benefit most.
Travelers may also prefer shorter trips within their own continents. Regions such as parts of Northern Europe, Southern Africa, and West Africa—including **The Gambia—could gain attention as relatively calm and authentic alternatives in an uncertain world.
Who will benefit from the turmoil of war around the world in 2026?
Probably safe destinations: Poland, Gambia or even Guinea Bissau or the island of Elba. The ITB Berlin 2026 concluded as a landmark event, celebrating its 60th anniversary by reinforcing its status as the world’s leading travel trade show with approximately 97,000 participants and an estimated 47 billion euros in business volume.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the shadow of the ongoing Middle East conflict loomed large over the convention, significantly altering the strategic focus of international travel buyers and tour operators. As instability continues to affect traditional Mediterranean and Levantine hotspots, the global tourism industry is witnessing a profound shift in consumer behavior toward “safe haven” destinations.
Poland’s Baltic Sea Coast: A big winner in 2026?
Swinemuende, the most famous German seaside resort in the German Empire, has fantastic beaches and boasts a good security situation and relatively low prices for restaurants and hotels.
This beautiful picture shows a sunny summer day in the seaside resort of Świnoujście (Swinemuende) on the Polish Baltic coast:
Maybe. Recent geopolitical events—especially the war involving Iran—are already affecting global travel patterns in 2026. The impact could indirectly benefit destinations such as the Baltic Sea Coast, including resorts in Poland, Germany, and the Baltic states.
Poland’s Baltic Sea Coast: 2,000 hours of sunshine/year
What a peaceful setting: Swinemuende in the summer of 2025 with many well-frequented restaurants and cafes
The hospitality industry in Świnoujście experienced a remarkable boom in 2026. The once quiet seaside resort has transformed into one of the most important tourist destinations on the Polish Baltic coast.
Polands coast is cheaper than German seaside resorts
Around 200 hotels, guesthouses, and apartment complexes now offer accommodation for guests from Poland, Germany, and Scandinavia. The atmosphere in Polish coastal towns such as Świnoujście is extremely pleasant, and the backdrop of beautifully renovated Wilhelminian-style villas and hotels gives an idea of how beautiful it was here in the 19th century…
A German tourism expert from travelindustry.news Mr. Joerg Friederichs said at the end of ITB 2026:
In 2026, niche travel destinations like Poland’s Baltic Sea coast are expected to see significant growth, while previous giants such as Dubai will lose out
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Want to know more about Poland’s Baltic Sea Coast?
Do even niche countries such as Gambia benefit from wars around the globe?
Probably such small destinations will have more tourists if the war in the Arabic World is not to stop. The war involving Iran is disrupting tourism across the Middle East, with forecasts predicting 11–27% fewer international visitors in the region in 2026 due to security fears, travel warnings, and flight disruptions. Here are some examples for successful tourism projects in the smallest country of Africa:
Is Gambia a tolerant Muslim travel destination?
Readers have asked several times about the situation in Africa’s smallest country. Gambia is considered one of the most tolerant Muslim countries in Africa. Although over 95% of the population is Muslim, the state is officially secular, and social coexistence is characterised by great serenity. There are churches and mosques in villages and towns, and even within families, both religions exist and people live in harmony with one another.
Many holidaymakers asked about affordable holiday options in Gambia. Here are a few lovely accommodation options, using Sanyang on the Atlantic coast as an example. Incidentally, the most famous and beautiful beach is called Paradise Beach:
Rainbow Beach Resort shines with affordable accommodation prices starting at around 14 euros
Located near the Atlantic coast in Sanyang, Rainbow Beach Resort offers a relaxed beachfront atmosphere, comfortable rooms, and a popular restaurant. The resort attracts international visitors seeking sunshine, fresh seafood, and peaceful coastal scenery along one of the country’s most beautiful beaches.
Rainbow Kitchen
Rainbow Kitchen is known for its delicious fresh cuisine, combining Gambian flavors with international dishes. Visitors especially enjoy seafood, grilled specialties, and friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere near the beach. The dishes start from 4 euros and the restaurant is located at the unique Paradise Beach in Sanyang.
Rainbow’s Catering asset:
The Rainbow Catering company provides professional catering services with fresh, flavorful cuisine. The team specializes in events, parties, and celebrations, delivering high-quality dishes and reliable service along the coast of The Gambia.
More information from:
Afropolis Eco Lodge, a kind of European community
The Afropolis Eco Lodge near Sanyang is a charming eco-friendly retreat that combines tropical nature, relaxed living, and a unique community atmosphere. Surrounded by lush gardens and located close to the Atlantic beach, the lodge offers spacious round houses, a swimming pool, and a popular restaurant serving fresh local cuisine.
Many Europeans enjoy being part of this small gated community because it provides security, tranquility, and a warm social environment. The affordable cost of living, year-round sunshine, and authentic Gambian hospitality make Afropolis an attractive place for holidays, long stays, or even a second home in West Africa.
Want to see more?
Sanyang’s cutest guest house with excellent kitchen and lovely pool garden
Located in the coastal village of Sanyang, Unique Owl Guest House offers a cozy and welcoming place for travelers seeking a relaxed stay near the Atlantic Ocean. The guest house combines comfortable rooms with friendly local hospitality and a peaceful garden atmosphere. And a sunny swimming pool, where the tourists feel home.
Owl visitors appreciate the quiet environment, convenient location close to the beach, and the personal service including a very good kitchen that makes guests feel at home while exploring the beauty of southern Gambia.
Information:
Unique Owl
Even the West African island country Guinea Bissau wants to open for tourism
Guinea Bissau is champing at the bit, eager to attract travellers from all over the world to the 88 unique Bijagos Islands. A lot of niche countries can have much more tourists in 2026, if they act smart and wise.
Experts recommend that the government of Guinea-Bissau arrange for more direct flights from Europe and simplify the entry process. Without visa requirements, many more travellers from Europe or Canada/USA would visit this small but very beautiful country.
The cards in the tourism world will be reshuffled: Guinea Bissau could be Africa’s big winner in the next years
By positioning themselves as reliable and tranquil sanctuaries, such niche markets are poised to capture a larger share of the European demographic that is currently hesitant to book trips to more volatile regions.
Ultimately, ITB 2026 proved that while the industry remains resilient, its future growth is tied to the ability of emerging, peaceful nations to provide the security and serenity that modern travelers now prioritize above all else…
Tourism has growing importance for Guinea-Bissau, offering opportunities to diversify the economy beyond agriculture and fishing. Natural assets like the Bijagós Archipelago attract eco-tourists, supporting local jobs, conservation, and small businesses while promoting sustainable development and international awareness.
More information from the Guinea Bissau Tourism Information:
The Guinea Bissau experts
What will be important in the future in the tourism world?
This geopolitical climate has created a unique opening for smaller niche countries located far from the zones of friction, with The Gambia emerging as a prime example of a peaceful alternative. Experts at the ITB noted that travelers are increasingly seeking the “Smiling Coast of Africa” due to its political stability, authentic nature-based tourism, and year-round sunshine.
Summary of the travel trade show No. 1 for 2026
ITB 2026 marked a pivotal shift in the industry, centered on Agentic AI. The transition from reactive chatbots to autonomous AI agents—capable of independently orchestrating complex itineraries and bookings—redefined the digital customer journey.
Equally significant was the rise of Regenerative Hospitality, prioritizing eco-positive travel over mere sustainability.
Furthermore, the integration of Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) via blockchain technology emerged as the gold standard for seamless, “passportless” travel. These innovations collectively showcased a more resilient, tech-driven future for global tourism.
Conclusion for destination managers: Safety is an important aspect that can greatly influence tourism on the whole planet
As travelers avoid conflict zones, stable destinations like Poland, Gambia or similar countries could benefit. Its peaceful Atlantic beaches and reputation for safety may attract tourists seeking alternative winter-sun destinations outside the Middle East.
In Gambia everybody speak English, this is also a good reason, why a lot of Europeans are visiting one of the lovely Eco Reorts or hotels along the coast or even buying such nice African round houses in a lovely forest area close to the village Sanyang. More than 4000h of Sunshine per year is also a big asset.
Any comments? The author would like to know what do you think
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