Key trends in Asia-Pacific Travel 2025

25-12-24

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) UK & Ireland has identified nine key trends that will influence travel to the Asia-Pacific region in 2025.

1. Valuing the travel agent experience

Despite the proliferation of online booking options, travelers continue to value the travel agent experience. Complex itinerary planning and the demand for sustainable tourism in Asia-Pacific highlight the importance of expert advice to personalize experiences and simplify the booking process.

2. Preference for secondary destinations

There is a growing trend toward choosing less crowded destinations, known as secondary destinations, rather than traditional tourist hotspots. This preference is driven by the desire to avoid crowds and explore authentic places. In addition, many tourism offices promote these areas to mitigate over-tourism in popular regions.

3. Search for authenticity

Travelers in 2025 will show a penchant for authentic experiences, eschewing standardized vacations. They seek immersive interactions that allow them to connect with local culture, cuisine and natural landscapes, enriching their experience of the destination.

4. Increasing air capacity

Airlines are expanding capacity in the region, reintroducing larger aircraft and increasing flight frequency. New routes are expected to open in 2025, which could lead to a reduction in ticket prices as supply aligns with demand.

5. Connecting with wildlife

Wildlife-focused vacations have gained popularity, with travelers eager to connect deeply with nature. Activities such as spotting big cats in Malaysia, caring for elephants in Thailand, diving with dugongs in Vietnam or observing giant pandas in China are examples of experiences available in the region.

6. Focus on sustainability

Environmental awareness is increasingly influencing travel decisions. Tourists are looking for options that minimize their ecological impact, opting for operators and accommodations that promote sustainable and responsible practices.

7. Accommodations with local identity

There is a growing preference to stay in establishments that reflect the cultural and local identity of the destination. Travelers want to support local communities and immerse themselves in the authenticity of the environment during their stay.

8. Media-inspired travel

Film and TV series locations are driving travel choices. For example, the new movie “Jurassic World Rebirth,” filmed in Thailand, could attract tourists to the country. Likewise, the opening of a theme park based on the children's series “Bluey” in Brisbane is another emerging attraction.

9. Sports tourism

Sporting events will continue to be a significant driver for tourism in 2025, following the trend observed in 2024. Attendance at competitions and participation in sporting activities in specific destinations will drive travel by travelers interested in sport.

These trends reflect a shift toward more personalized, sustainable and authentic travel experiences in the Asia-Pacific region, providing opportunities for travel agents to tailor their offerings to emerging tourist preferences.