Summer 2025 Travel Trends Show Asia Leading the Way

As travelers plan their summer getaways for 2025, one region is clearly outshining the rest: Asia. A new report by the Mastercard Economics Institute reveals that more than half of this summer’s top 15 emerging travel destinations are located in Asia, highlighting the region’s rising global appeal. From bustling metropolises to beachside retreats, Asia is proving to be the go-to destination for tourists worldwide — driven by value, culture, and a post-pandemic travel boom.

Japan Tops the Charts Again

Japan is leading the surge, with Tokyo and Osaka claiming the top two spots on the list. Tokyo held strong as the most visited city in the world in 2024, largely thanks to the yen’s historic depreciation — its lowest point against the U.S. dollar since 1986 — which made the country especially attractive to value-conscious travelers.

“Japan continues to be a major force in global travel,” said David Mann, Chief Economist for Mastercard in the Asia Pacific region. “Tokyo and Osaka still attract large numbers of international tourists.”

This currency-driven value is not just drawing Asian tourists, but also visitors from Europe and the Americas. According to the report, a mere 1% depreciation in the yen led to a 1.5% increase in visits from mainland China, while travelers from France, Germany, and New Zealand showed a more modest 0.2% increase.

Asia’s Broader Rise in Popularity

While Japan steals the spotlight, other Asian cities are making big moves too. Shanghai ranks fourth, followed closely by Seoul, Beijing, and Singapore — all featured in the top 10. The Vietnamese coastal city of Nha Trang and Fukuoka, another Japanese destination, land at 11th and 13th respectively, showcasing the diversity of emerging locales across Asia.

Here’s the full list of the top 15 trending summer destinations, based on changes in flight bookings from June to September 2024 vs. 2025:

1. Tokyo, Japan

2. Osaka, Japan

3. Paris, France

4. Shanghai, China

5. Palma de Mallorca, Spain

6. Seoul, South Korea

7. Beijing, China

8. Madrid, Spain

9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

10. Singapore, Singapore

11. Nha Trang, Vietnam

12. Reykjavik, Iceland

13. Fukuoka, Japan

14. Hurghada, Egypt

15. Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

Currency Matters More Than You Think

The report highlights how exchange rates are playing a bigger role in travel decisions — particularly for travelers from Asia-Pacific. In countries like China, Singapore, and South Korea, even a slight fluctuation in currency value can influence where people choose to travel.

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On the other hand, British travelers seem largely unaffected by these financial shifts. Their travel habits remained steady despite noticeable currency drops in destinations like Australia, Japan, and the United States.

Middle East and Global Travel Shifts

Asia isn’t just popular among Asian tourists. Middle Eastern travelers are also favoring Asian destinations, with Thailand seeing the biggest boost in bookings. Meanwhile, economic and political trends are reshaping other travel patterns. Saudi Arabia, for example, is seeing more visitors — especially to Riyadh and Jeddah — thanks to national economic reforms and a rise in business travel.

Conversely, international travel to the United States is on a downward trend. A JPMorgan report noted a 5% drop in international air arrivals in February 2024, driven largely by fewer Canadian travelers. While the economic impact on U.S. GDP is expected to be minimal, the tourism and education sectors may feel the sting more sharply, as foreign visitors contribute significantly to those industries.

Interestingly, the U.S. might still lure back some tourists if the dollar weakens, especially from Asia, where travelers accounted for 40% of all foreign tourism spending in the U.S. last year.

This summer’s travel trends make it clear: Asia is where the world wants to be. With affordable currency rates, rich cultural experiences, and a diverse range of destinations — from vibrant cities to tropical coasts — the continent is drawing in a global crowd. Whether you’re a budget traveler, a culture enthusiast, or a frequent flyer seeking new adventures, Asia is setting the stage for an unforgettable summer.