Conclusion of the ITB 2026 travel fair: Travel enthusiasm remains unbroken, ...

The Gambia River is a beautiful heaven in West Africa for bird lovers

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?  

West Africa's beautiful Beaches, where on some days only a few playful tourists enjoy the magnificent Atlantic coast

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 winner in future tourism?

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: What a lovely beach life: Poland's Baltic Sea 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?

Tourism Information

Do even African niche countries such as Gambia benefit from wars around the globe?

If the safety is on a good level ... Yes! 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: Isatou Bah is working for Gambia's tourism industry and she said about Gambia 2026: "Our country is safe, the beaches beautiful and we have months without rain from Nov - July...

Rainbow Beach Resort shines with affordable accommodation prices starting at around 14 euros 

Is there any better sunset in Gambia? Picture shows Rainbow Beach Resort in Sanyang

Europeans love the simple but cute Rainbow Beach esort and the wonderful Paradise Beach. 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.
Catering by Rainbow Beach Resort: lovely food a nice staff is a waranty for happy guests

What is so special at this lovely Atlantic Coast?

Rainbow visitors from a Danish private school: “It is so cosy here and food is fantastic, prices are low, compared with Spain or Italy… or Danmark…”

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. Such lovely Atlantic hotels like Sanyang's 'Rainbow Beach Resort' already seeing significantly more bookings for summer 2026

The Afropolis Ecolodge is quietly and idyllically located, far away from the traffic and hustle and bustle of many of Africa's major cities

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. 16 of this lovely African Round Houses are owned by many Europeans and it is a lovely location and gives many jobs to the locals... Sunny pool keeps temperatures cool

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.

Afropolis Gambia

Sanyang's latest pool guest house with excellent kitchen

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.

Unique Owl: A new guest house in Sanyang's cutest beach village Sanyang

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

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.

Also possible a winner in the future: Guinea Bissau

The 88 lovely Bijagos Islands have a huge potential in the international tourism competition

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.