Travel Trends
2025 Summer Travel: Emirates’ Search Data Points to Vietnam, Mauritius, and Japan as Top Destinations
Thursday, July 10, 2025
As intercontinental air travel continues at record highs during the summer season, Emirates has analyzed global search trends and booking patterns to determine the most in-demand July and August 2025 destinations for travelers. The latest report by the airline points to the off-the-beaten-path destination and cultural discovery trend as the strongest trend, with Indian Ocean, Far Eastern, and Continental countries way ahead.
Summer trip searches have increased 7% over the previous year, indicating strong trip intent in foundation markets. Outbound trip searches to France have increased the most, by 35%, with Ireland, Canada, and Saudi Arabia close behind. The increase in Germany and United Arab Emirates (UAE) destinations also shows the strong international trip demand.
Among the emerging stars for 2025 summer getaways, Vietnam, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Japan, and France are standing out as the most sought-after destinations. These locations are experiencing heightened interest, positioning themselves as top choices for travelers looking for more than the typical tourist spots.
Vietnam: The “It” Destination of 2025
Vietnam has surged to the forefront of summer travel for 2025, with a 61% increase in interest, making it the most trending destination on Emirates’ network. The airline operates 25 weekly flights to Vietnam, including to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang (which was added in June 2025 via a connection through Bangkok). Known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites and over 3,000 km of untouched coastline, Vietnam offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty.
For food lovers, Vietnamese cuisine is a must-try, offering everything from bustling street food markets to hidden gems in local neighborhoods. The country’s rich cultural heritage, from its ancient temples to vibrant modern cities, makes it a unique destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences.
Mauritius: A Tropical Escape
Mauritius, the idyllic island nation in the Indian Ocean, remains one of the top destinations for summer getaways, with 41% more searches compared to last year. Emirates operates two daily flights to Mauritius, ensuring convenient access for travelers seeking a tropical escape. Known for its luxurious resorts, stunning beaches, and rich cultural mix, Mauritius continues to captivate travelers seeking sun, sand, and relaxation.
Mauritius offers not only natural beauty but also a vibrant cultural scene, from its bustling markets to the island’s unique Creole heritage. For those seeking romantic getaways or family-friendly vacations, Mauritius is a destination that continues to deliver unforgettable experiences.
Sri Lanka: Rich in Culture and Natural Beauty
Sri Lanka, with a 32% increase in flight searches, is becoming increasingly popular for travelers looking to immerse themselves in a culturally rich and serene environment. From its pristine beaches to its tea plantations in the highlands, Sri Lanka offers a wide range of experiences. Travelers can explore ancient cities, enjoy wildlife safaris, or relax at world-class beach resorts.
For those seeking cultural immersion, Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage and vibrant local traditions offer a unique perspective on life in the Indian Ocean region. The luxury resorts in Sri Lanka, many of which are situated on the coastline, offer relaxation combined with access to local culture and history.
Japan: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Japan continues to draw global explorers with a 28% increase in flight searches compared to the previous year. Known for its perfect blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, Japan remains a top destination for luxury travelers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Emirates operates 21 weekly flights to Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Osaka, offering direct access to Japan’s cultural hubs.
Visitors can explore historic temples, modern cities like Tokyo, and the country’s stunning natural landscapes, including Mount Fuji and its iconic gardens. Japanese cuisine, including sushi, ramen, and regional specialties, is another key draw for culinary travelers.
France: A Classic Destination with a Modern Twist
While France remains a staple on the summer travel list, it continues to experience growth in interest, with a 25% increase in searches for 2025. Known for its romantic ambiance, rich history, and exceptional cuisine, France remains one of the most desirable destinations in the world. Emirates serves Paris with 21 weekly flights, including three daily flights on the A380, as well as daily flights to Nice and Lyon.
The allure of France is timeless, whether exploring the vineyards of Bordeaux, the art museums in Paris, or the sun-soaked beaches of the French Riviera. France offers something for every traveler, making it a perennial favorite, especially for those seeking luxury and sophistication.
Global Travel Trends: What Travelers are Seeking
Emirates’ analysis reveals that global travelers are increasingly drawn to destinations offering unique cultural experiences, natural beauty, and luxury stays. With travel demand on the rise, destinations like Vietnam, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka are becoming the new front-runners in the tourism market, providing diverse experiences for those seeking something beyond the ordinary.
The airline also noted increased interest from travelers in Africa, with destinations like Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa seeing higher search levels from the US. Similarly, travelers from the UK and India have shown a growing interest in destinations like Japan, New Zealand, and Ireland for their summer getaways.
Conclusion: A New Era of Travel
As tourism around the world continues to rebound in 2025, Emirates is uniquely prepared to capitalize on the increase in demand for unique, high-end travel experiences. With rising destinations in Asia such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius leading the way, travelers seek more than the traditional sun-and-beach getaway—they seek culture, they seek nature, and they seek high-end experiences where they feel they’re connected to where they’re visiting.
Emirates’ extensive network and commitment to affording travelers unparalleled access to the world’s most exciting locations continue to keep the airline at the forefront of the international travel industry. Whether uncovering the cosmopolitan backstreets of Tokyo, the tranquil coastlines of Mauritius, or the cultural heritage of Vietnam, Emirates is enabling the next era of global discovery for the discerning passenger.
(Source: Emirates.)
Tags: cultural experiences, Emirates, Emirates 2025 summer getaways, france, France Travel, Global Travel Trends, japan, Japan Tourism, luxury travel, luxury travel trends, luxury travel Vietnam, mauritius, Mauritius vacations, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka holiday, Summer Destinations, top travel destinations 2025, UAE, Vietnam
MADRID – In 2024, the cruise industry reached a record 34.6 million passengers worldwide, 9.3% more than the previous year, and by 2025 this figure is expected to increase to 37.7 million. Furthermore, by 2030, the global cruise market is expected to generate revenues of 18.35 billion dollars with a compound annual growth rate of 12.9%, according to the ‘State of the Cruise Industry 2025’ report published by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Faced with this solid expansion of the cruise sector, the International Tourism Trade Fair is responding to this global tourism trend and is offering the strategic opportunity of connecting with a dynamic market with great potential at the fifth edition of FITUR Cruises from 21 to 25 January at IFEMA MADRID.
Organised in collaboration with online magazine Cruceroadicto.com, the event will debut a redesigned space in Hall 4 of the Trade Fair Centre that will combine the exhibition area, the central auditorium and the Cruise Market business area, which in 2026 is gathering together the largest number of cruise lines and auxiliary industry companies.
FITUR Cruises’ dual strategy: B2B and B2C approach for a personalised offer
Over the course of the trade visitor days -Wednesday 21, Thursday 22 and Friday 23 January – FITUR Cruises 2026 will connect the key players that drive the sector’s solid performance and will offer an interesting programme of conferences. This will contribute to boosting cruise sales, reinforcing their public image as a holiday option and promoting awareness among sales agents and travellers.
Cruise Market will be the heart of FITUR Cruises 2026, acting as a meeting, work and business point between cruise lines, destinations, ports and tour operators, as well as between these actors with the trade visitor and the end traveller. For its part, Cruise Campus will continue with its innovative system of 25-minute talks and mini-courses focused on areas such as marketing for travel agents, who account for approximately 50% of the industry’s turnover, communication and the travel experience from all angles and with a more practical approach.
At the weekend, when FITUR opens its doors to the general public, the Cruises area will reinforce the loyalty of cruise passengers and organise awareness-raising activities on this type of tourism, bringing travellers closer to the diversity of the offer, which includes family cruises with attractions and a wide range of on-board leisure activities to ultra-luxury cruises with helicopters and submarines; premium and upper premium cruises offering fine dining; expedition lines; river cruises, or cruises specialising in a specific geographical area.
In addition, visitors can also take part in the fifth edition of the Cruise Scavenger Hunt, a big treasure hunt among the FITUR stands, as well as the popular Café & Cruises meeting where passengers can share their on-board experiences.
Cruceroadicto Awards, the only awards voted by the Spanish-speaking travel community
On Thursday 22 January, FITUR Cruises will be hosting the IV Cruceroadicto Awards ceremony, the only ones voted 100% by the Spanish-speaking travel community and certified by the AENOR mark for their commitment to transparency and impartiality. During the event, the best ship, cruise line and port of 2025 as well as the different sub-categories will be revealed.
The article FITUR Cruises 2026 reaffirms its commitment to the booming cruise holiday industry first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
Travelers are blending business with leisure, seeking cooler climates, and working from inspiring new locations, but the hotel industry has largely remained unresponsive.
The data may not yet fully reflect the volume of these burgeoning trends, but this signals a crucial opportunity for proactive hoteliers to move beyond generic offerings and capture a growing market of guests seeking higher value and tailored experiences.
The disconnect between trending topics and hotel actions is apparent. Standard hotel offerings leave many travelers in these emerging categories underserved. Hotels have a clear opportunity to differentiate themselves and build guest loyalty.
Instead of waiting for overwhelming statistical evidence, savvy hoteliers should be at the forefront, shaping their services to meet and exceed the expectations of these new traveler personas. Here are three key actions hoteliers should take to interpret and act on the latest trends, ensuring they capture their full impact.
1. Deep Dive into Data and Decipher the “Why”
Understanding a trend’s relevance to your specific property is crucial before taking meaningful action. Acknowledging a new buzzword isn’t enough; investigate how it appears in your market and guest data to gain a deeper understanding of its relevance. Moving beyond guesswork and manual spreadsheet analysis is essential.
To truly unlock these insights, you need a hotel business intelligence (BI) system. A modern BI platform automates the collection and analysis of data from all your key systems—your Property Management System (PMS), point-of-sale (POS), and even online guest reviews. Instead of relying on gut feelings, a BI system provides a comprehensive view of guest behavior.
It can flag patterns, such as increasing lengths of stay that bridge a Thursday to a Monday (a classic bleisure indicator), correlate guest origin with on-site spending, or track booking lead times from specific markets. This technology enables you to identify emerging trends with statistical confidence, allowing you to act decisively while your competitors are still discussing it.
With this powerful analytical foundation, you can begin to dig deeper. Are you seeing longer stays that bridge weekdays and weekends? Are guests inquiring about workspaces or the reliability of high-speed internet? Is there an uptick in visitors from regions experiencing extreme heat during certain times of the year? A BI system will not only help you ask these questions but also give you the clear, data-backed answers you need to build your strategy.
2. Reimagine and Repurpose Your Physical Spaces
Once you have a handle on the trends impacting your business, the next step is to adapt your physical environment. A one-size-fits-all approach to hotel rooms and common areas will no longer suffice.
For the “work-from-anywhere” guest, this means more than just a desk and a chair. Consider creating dedicated, well-equipped workstations that feature ergonomic seating, ample power outlets, and excellent lighting for video calls. Could a lesser-used common area be transformed into a stylish and functional co-working space? Offering day passes to these spaces can also attract local remote workers, creating a new revenue stream.
Attract “bleisure” travelers by ensuring a seamless transition between work and relaxation. Offer packages that bundle a spa treatment or a happy hour credit with a room booking. Create a “Business and Leisure” section on your website to highlight your meeting facilities and proximity to local attractions.
For “coolcationers,” the focus shifts to the experience of the destination. While you can’t change the weather, you can enhance the enjoyment of it. Partner with local tour operators to offer unique excursions that capitalize on the pleasant climate, such as guided hikes, boat trips, or outdoor yoga sessions. In-room, you could provide amenities that encourage exploration, like pre-loaded transit cards or a curated guide to local parks and outdoor cafes.
Produced by Special PR and directed by James Anderson, with on-location filming by Radlab, the campaign centers on Wilson’s symbolic return to Fiji. The story begins as he is discovered on the white-sand shores of Serenity Island Resort by a young Fijian girl named Lani. She embraces Wilson with a sense of wonder, inviting him into a series of memorable, culturally rich experiences. These include “cycling along historic sugar cane rail tracks with Eco Trax, kayaking in crystal-clear waters, partaking in a traditional Kava ceremony, and engaging in a spirited game of volleyball.”
This film-inspired campaign blends cinematic nostalgia with authentic Fijian hospitality, highlighting the destination’s enduring appeal and reinforcing Fiji’s position as a welcoming, adventure-filled travel destination for global audiences.
Image Credit: Tourism Fiji
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