The online hotel booking platform Agoda has published information about which destinations Europeans are most frequently choosing for their summer vacations this year. It turns out that the demand for travel to Asia has significantly increased recently. In 2024, European tourists are booking accommodations in this part of the world 25% more actively than last year.
Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan have topped the list of the most popular Asian destinations for European tourists, followed by Malaysia and the Philippines.
"It’s great to see more and more Europeans visiting the incredible destinations of Asia during their vacations," said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President at Agoda.
Indonesia, which ranked second in this rating, is most often chosen by travelers from France, Germany, England, the Netherlands, and Spain.
Incidentally, there are already quite a few Brits on Bali. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency of Bali (BPS-Bali), the UK ranks fourth among the countries from which the most tourists arrived in March 2024, surpassed only by Australia, India, and China.
Most Europeans are booking accommodations in Jakarta, Bali, and Lombok. These three destinations are considered to offer the ideal combination of remote relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences for tourists who want to make the most of their summer vacations.
Still, Bali remains the most popular destination in Indonesia. In April alone, Ngurah Rai Airport serviced 1,940,828 people, including 1,109,958 international passengers and 830,870 domestic passengers. This figure is 19% higher compared to March 2024, when 1,627,730 passengers were recorded.
This trend is also being noticed by leaders in the tourism business on the island. That's why they are increasingly advocating for the need to increase the number of direct flights from European cities to Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Just this month, in an interview, a trustee of the Bali Sales and Marketing Community (BASACOMM), Ghufron, spoke to journalists about how more Europeans could be attracted to the island.
"The current issue is really about flights. Airfare prices are quite high, especially in Europe. Therefore, the government needs to develop appropriate policies. BASACOMM suggests that there is a need for additional direct flights. Indeed, there are direct flights from Qatar, Turkey, Singapore, and other countries, but there are still not enough of them."
Currently, most European tourists have to buy tickets with layovers in Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Jakarta before continuing on to Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Agoda's Senior Vice President, Andrew Smith, also emphasized the platform's commitment to helping European tourists explore the world at affordable prices. According to him, the site offers a large number of attractive deals on more than 4 million properties worldwide.
"For European travelers looking to explore beautiful Asia this summer, Agoda is the perfect platform to find accommodations that match their budget and interests," concluded Andrew Smith.
Incidentally, one possible reason for the popularity of Asian destinations among Europeans is the diversity of food, attractions, and activities, according to the ranking's compilers. Everyone finds something special here, from the bustling street life of Bangkok to the beautiful surfing beaches of Bali.
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