Europeans' favourite international destinations for Easter 2025

08-04-25

Easter 2025 has shown a clear preference among European travellers for long-haul destinations, with Japan and the United States standing out in particular. According to a study by RateHawk, an online B2B platform for booking hotels, flights and transfers, Japan tops the list with 12.2% of all bookings made by European travel agents, doubling the figures compared to the previous season. This increase is attributed to improved air connectivity and the attractiveness of events such as the cherry blossom season, which coincides with this time of year.

The United States is also positioning itself as one of the favourite destinations, consolidating its appeal among Europeans seeking diverse urban and cultural experiences. Cities such as New York, with its unrivalled range of entertainment and culture, continue to be in high demand during this holiday period.

Spain, meanwhile, maintains its position as a favourite destination, especially among Europeans themselves. The country's cultural and climatic diversity offers options for all types of travellers. Regions such as Andalusia, with emblematic celebrations in cities such as Seville and Malaga, attract numerous visitors interested in Easter traditions. In addition, the Canary and Balearic Islands are favoured by those seeking warmer climates and beaches during this time of year.

The RateHawk study also shows that the average transaction value for accommodation bookings in these destinations is approximately 1,000 euros, with an average stay of three nights. This reflects a trend towards short but experience-intensive stays, characteristic of holiday periods such as Easter.

Air connectivity has played a crucial role in these preferences. Japan, for example, has improved its links to major European cities, facilitating access and boosting visitor numbers. The Japan National Tourism Organisation forecasts that international arrivals will exceed 40 million by the end of 2025, demonstrating the growing interest in the destination.

In the case of Spain, the resumption of direct flights between Madrid and Tokyo has strengthened connections with Asia, facilitating both the arrival of Japanese tourists and the movement of Spaniards to Japan. This improvement in air connectivity is a determining factor in the choice of destinations for European travellers.

In addition to Japan and the United States, other destinations that have caught the attention of Europeans this Easter include Italy, France, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Turkey and Thailand. Each of these countries offers a unique combination of culture, history and experiences that appeal to a diverse range of travellers.

In particular, destinations such as Iceland have seen a notable increase in bookings, especially among German travellers. Accommodation bookings in Iceland increased fourfold compared to spring 2024. This increase is attributed to the anticipation of spectacular northern lights and the growing popularity of ‘nocturnal tourism’, which includes activities such as stargazing and nocturnal wildlife watching.

Early booking has also been a prominent trend. The Spanish Confederation of Travel Agencies (CEAV) reports a 10-15% growth in advance bookings for Easter, largely influenced by the location of public holidays at the end of April. This behaviour reflects more meticulous planning on the part of travellers, seeking to secure the best accommodation and transport options.

Easter 2025 has consolidated Europeans' preference for destinations that combine culture, tradition and unique experiences. Japan and the United States lead the choices, while Spain continues to be a benchmark for both international tourists and Europeans themselves, thanks to its diversity of offers and improvements in air connectivity. The trend towards short but enriching stays, together with advanced planning, defines the current behaviour of travellers during this holiday period.

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