TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Tokyo ranks first on the list of popular summer destinations for 2025, according to the annual travel report released by the Mastercard Economics Institute. Other East Asian cities also made the list, including Osaka in second place, along with Shanghai and Seoul.
The ranking is based on an analysis of flight data from OAG Aviation, which tracks bookings for travel between June and September.
This year’s figures were compared to data from the same period last year to identify trends. Cities showing the largest relative increase in visitors were classified as trending destinations.
Tokyo is typically a favorite during spring, when the weather is mild and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. However, both Tokyo and Osaka are now drawing more summer visitors, largely due to the long-term depreciation of the Japanese yen. In 2024, Tokyo became the most visited city in the world, overtaking Bangkok, which held the title for several years.
“The summer travel landscape is being shaped by a combination of economic factors and evolving traveler preferences. Tokyo’s ascent to the top of the trending destinations list underscores the impact of currency fluctuations, making it an attractive option for many travelers,” said Michelle Meyer, chief economist at the Mastercard Economics Institute, as quoted by Forbes.
While currency value plays an important role, it is only one of many factors influencing travel choices.
Paris, a consistent favorite, now ranks third behind Osaka. Other destinations in the top ranks reflect travelers’ growing focus on value, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the ongoing appeal of beach cities such as Mallorca in Spain, Nha Trang in Vietnam, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Beyond the list of top destinations, the report also highlights broader travel trends. Travelers today are more intentional about their trips, choosing destinations based on cultural experiences or specific types of tourism, including health tourism, culinary exploration, and sporting events.
Popular destinations for health tourism include Namibia and Thailand, where visitors seek wellness through meditation retreats. Italy, New Zealand, and Canada are also emerging as in-demand spots for resort-style wellness travel.
Adventure tourism is gaining popularity in the Nordic countries, as Europeans increasingly head north for summer holidays. Similarly, African destinations offering nature and wilderness experiences are seeing rapid growth.
In the realm of culinary tourism, cities known for internationally acclaimed dining scenes include Istanbul, Cannes, Interlaken, and Bali. These destinations are attracting travelers eager to explore local flavors and world-class cuisine.
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