AGODA’s digital travel platform has observed a significant increase in interest among European tourists regarding Asian destinations, as the summer holiday season approaches. Indonesia has secured the second spot as the most sought-after destination, closely following Thailand, which has consistently held the top position for two consecutive years. Japan and Malaysia followed in the next position, while Vietnam entered the top five for the first time.
This finding was derived from the report, “Europe to Asia Summer Travel Trends,” which was compiled based on a data search for accommodation from July to August, a period that corresponds to the height of the European holiday season. Among the top destinations, Malaysia recorded the highest increase in interest, with a search surge of 20% compared to the previous year.
China demonstrated notable growth, with an increase of 14%, largely attributable to the implementation of visa-free policies for multiple European countries. Sri Lanka also exhibited an uptick of 13%.
The five European markets that most traveled to Asia are still dominated by Britain, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. Conversely, Greece (+23%), Turkey (+21%), and Poland (+17%) exhibited a substantial surge, reflecting their status as emerging European economies.
A more thorough examination of the data reveals that Bali is the most sought-after destination, followed by Bangkok and Koh Samui. Notably, Koh Samui surpassed Tokyo to secure a spot in the top three, likely due to the popularity of the HBO series The White Lotus, which featured the island.
In line with this trend, Indonesia continues to experience robust tourism from five key European markets: France, the Netherlands, Germany, Britain, and Spain. This high interest is supported by enhanced accessibility to Indonesia, a diverse destination offering a wide range of experiences, from cultural richness to natural beauty. According to recent data, Bali, Lombok, and Jakarta continue to be the most popular destinations among European tourists since last year.
According to Gede Gunawan, Senior Country Director of Agoda for Indonesia, said Asia remains the preferred destination for European travelers’ summer holidays, and Indonesia continues to be a highly sought-after destination, thanks to its cultural, natural, and hospitality offerings. We are also observing significant increases to destinations such as Malaysia, China, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
“This indicates a growing interest among European tourists in exploring cultural diversity and Asian landscapes. As experts travel in Asia, Agoda is pleased to offer attractive packages to various destinations in Asia, including Indonesia,” he said.
With a vast selection of over five million vacation accommodations, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, Agoda facilitates seamless travel planning. For more information and special offers, please visit the Agoda.com website or download the Agoda mobile application. [sources/photo special]