The Mastercard Economics Institute has identified Asia-Pacific as the leading region for trending summer travel destinations in 2025, with Tokyo and Osaka topping the list. The annual report, which analyses consumer spending in the travel economy, highlights that eight of the world’s top 15 summer destinations are in Asia-Pacific. The report underscores the influence of currency fluctuations and geopolitical factors on travel choices, whilst passions and purpose-driven motivations remain significant.
Japan’s capital, Tokyo, and Osaka have seen the largest increases in tourism demand, with Tokyo climbing from second place in 2023 to lead global travel demand. Vietnam’s Nha Trang has made a notable debut, attracting tourists with its beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Meanwhile, China and India continue to dominate as Asia’s travel powerhouses, with Chinese travellers favouring value and visa-friendly destinations like Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The report also notes a shift towards experiences over traditional itineraries, with travellers prioritising dining, nature, and wellness. Destinations such as Gianyar in Bali and Queenstown in New Zealand are gaining popularity for their culinary offerings. Thailand is highlighted for its wellness experiences, whilst New Zealand’s rising Wellness Trend Index score indicates a growing interest in relaxation and self-care.
David Mann, chief economist for Asia-Pacific at Mastercard, stated, “The Asia-Pacific region continues to set the pace for global travel, with buzzing destinations like Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Singapore capturing the imagination of travellers around the world.” The report also points out the impact of exchange rates on travel decisions, with a weaker yen boosting Japan’s inbound tourism.
The Mastercard Economics Institute aims to provide insights into evolving consumer behaviours and support the travel ecosystem in making informed decisions. The full Travel Trends 2025 report offers further insights into these dynamics.
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