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Asia-Pacific has emerged as the focal point of global summer travel trends, with eight of the top 15 most popular destinations for June to September 2025 located in the region.
According to Mastercard's latest Travel Trends 2025 report, Tokyo and Osaka now lead global travel demand, reflecting a surge in interest from both regional and international tourists.
Japan and Vietnam top global summer destination rankings
Tokyo has overtaken all other global cities to become the number one trending summer travel destination in 2025, with Osaka following closely in second place.
The strong performance of Japanese cities is partly attributed to the sustained weakness of the yen, which has made travel to Japan more affordable for visitors, particularly those from China and Singapore.
Singaporeans set a new record for inbound visits to Japan, driven in part by a 40% appreciation of the Singapore dollar against the yen over the past year.
Vietnam’s coastal city of Nha Trang also saw a sharp rise in popularity, entering the global top destinations list. Known for its beaches and nightlife, Nha Trang's growing appeal highlights a broader regional shift toward leisure-focused tourism in Southeast Asia.
China and India continue to shape global outbound travel
China remains the world’s largest outbound travel market, with tourists increasingly seeking visa-friendly and cost-effective destinations such as Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan are also seeing a rise in Chinese visitor numbers.
India, meanwhile, recorded its highest ever outbound travel figures in 2024. The most visited destinations by Indian tourists include Abu Dhabi, Hanoi, and Bali. This growth is being driven by an expanding middle class and increased direct flight routes.
Together, China and India are exerting significant influence on global travel flows, especially within Asia-Pacific.
Experience-led and purpose-driven travel trends grow
Across the region, travellers are showing a preference for immersive and meaningful experiences over traditional sightseeing itineraries.
Culinary tourism and wellness travel have become key motivations, with destinations like Gianyar in Bali and Queenstown in New Zealand emerging as hotspots for global food and health-conscious travellers.
Thailand continues to be a leading destination for wellness travel, with high scores on the Mastercard Wellness Trend Index. Activities such as meditation retreats and eco-lodge stays are attracting those seeking physical and emotional rejuvenation.