Tourexpi
The
findings reflect a growing appetite for cultural discovery, new horizons, and
off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Flight
searches for summer travel have risen by 7% compared to the previous year, with
France leading the trend, showing a 35% increase in outbound searches. Ireland,
Canada, and Saudi Arabia also saw notable growth, while Germany and the UAE
demonstrated continued strong travel intent.
Emerging
Summer Stars
This
year, the most in-demand destinations in the Emirates network are largely found
in the Far East, the Indian Ocean, and Europe.
Topping
the list is Vietnam, which has seen a 61% surge in travel interest. Emirates
now operates 25 weekly flights to three Vietnamese cities: Ho Chi Minh City,
Hanoi, and—new in 2025—Da Nang via Bangkok. With seamless connections from key
European and American cities, Vietnam has become a standout choice. Da Nang, in
particular, offers access to UNESCO-listed sites, unspoiled coastline, and a
rich culinary culture that delights adventurous palates.
Mauritius
ranks second, with flight searches rising by 41%. The island’s pristine
beaches, luxurious resorts, and two daily Emirates A380 flights make it a
perennial favourite. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has seen a 32% increase in demand,
attracting visitors with its cultural heritage, scenic tea plantations, and
inviting beaches.
Japan
continues to enchant travellers with its unique fusion of tradition and
modernity. Emirates has noted a 28% rise in searches, with services to Tokyo
Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Osaka offered 21 times weekly. France completes the
top five with a 25% rise in searches. Emirates supports demand with 21 weekly
flights to Paris (including three daily A380s), daily A380 service to Nice, and
daily A350 flights to Lyon.
Booking
Trends and Regional Insights
In
the UAE, flight search activity is up 13%, with high interest in destinations
such as Sri Lanka, Jordan, France, India, Lebanon, and Morocco. U.S.-based
travellers are increasingly exploring African destinations, including Egypt,
Kenya, and South Africa.
In
the UK, flight searches have grown by 12%, particularly to long-haul locations
such as New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius. Indian
travellers are showing rising interest in trips to Australia, New Zealand, and
Ireland. Australians, in turn, are focusing their travel plans on Europe, with
a notable increase in searches to France and the UK.
German
travellers are leaning eastward, with growing interest in Japan, Vietnam, South
Korea, and the Seychelles.
Summer
bookings are trending toward longer stays. Around one-third of Emirates
travellers from India, Australia, the UK, and Germany are planning trips
lasting over a month, while U.S. passengers typically opt for getaways of two
to three weeks.
Dubai:
A Magnet for Global Travellers
Inbound
tourism to Dubai remains strong this summer, confirming the city's year-round
global appeal.
Solo
travellers represent nearly half of all visitors from the U.S., India, and
Australia, many combining business with leisure during stays averaging just
over a week.
Family
travel trends vary by nationality: one-third of American and Indian travellers
visit with family, though Indian families tend to favour shorter stays, while
American families opt for one- to two-week visits. Families from the UK make up
the largest share of British visitors and often extend their Dubai holidays
beyond two weeks.
Couples
also form a key demographic, particularly younger Australians and Germans, who
tend to stay for two weeks or more—sometimes up to a month—exploring the full
breadth of Dubai’s offerings.
Image
Credit: © Emirates Airlines
The most interesting news


Ryanair calls on Ursula von der Leyen to resign if she fails to reform Europe’s air traffic control
Two-day French air traffic control strike (3–4 July) forces Ryanair to cancel 400 flights, disrupting over 70,000 passengers.


Tourism and culture take center stage at executive training programme in Mongolia
UN Tourism recently welcomed senior tourism officials from across the Asia-Pacific region to highlight the essential connection between tourism and culture in shaping resilient, inclusive destinations.


Fitur 2026 expands its technological dimension with the introduction of the Knowledge Hub
The International Tourism Trade Fair, taking place from 21 to 25 January at IFEMA MADRID, reinforces its leadership with Hall 12 as the epicentre of tourism innovation.


IHG Hotels & Resorts expands in Türkiye with new Holiday Inn Resort signing in Bodrum
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has signed an agreement for the development of Holiday Inn Resort Bodrum West Beach, in collaboration with Uslu Turizm Insaat Tasimacilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.


Göbeklitepe draws millions as Türkiye’s ancient sanctuary gains global heritage acclaim
Göbeklitepe, the ancient sanctuary in southeastern Türkiye and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has emerged as a key pillar of regional tourism, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.


From Lagos to the world: Delta elevates travel with new lounge and next-gen aircraft
Delta has unveiled a new premium lounge at Lagos Airport on July 1, ahead of deploying its newest aircraft, the A350-900 and A330-900neo, on U.S. routes this October, boosting capacity and comfort for Nigerian travelers.


Türkiye has emerged as one of the most profitable destinations for global hotel investors, says firm
Türkiye has become one of the most accessible and profitable destinations for global hotel investors as the country’s tourism sector shifts toward a high-efficiency model focused on renovation, branding, and resale, a leading investment firm said


Dusit brings vibrant energy to the Maldives with a new all-inclusive resort near Malé
Soft opening this July, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives promises ‘effortless stays’ just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport.


Thailand and Bhutan Strengthen Sustainable Tourism Cooperation Through Field Visits
Under the shared “Two Countries, One Destination” vision, the Bhutanese delegation deepens collaboration through knowledge exchange, strategic meetings, and site visits from 20–23 June.


Village to the World: Thai Communities Step onto the Global ESG Stage
The “Village to the World” initiative is redefining sustainable development in Thailand by placing local communities at the forefront of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) transformation.


Ryanair urges EU governments to reform air traffic control services
"League of delays" for June highlights Europe's best and worst ATC systems / ATC-related delays could be avoided through better staffing and organisation.


The Emirates Group Showcases Collaborative Sustainability Initiatives in Aviation
The Emirates Group reaffirmed its commitment to environmental responsibility at its annual sustainability event, Tomorrow Takes Flight, aligning with this year’s UN global theme to #BeatPlasticPollution.


Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Signs Protocol with Turkish Airlines and AJet
TRNC President Ersin Tatar: "These steps will enhance the competitiveness of the tourism sector".


Club Med Celebrates 75 Years of ‘L'Esprit Libre’ with a Global Vision
Club Med, part of Fosun Tourism Group, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with global events that honour its French roots and the spirit of "L'Esprit Libre"—a carefree vacation lifestyle.


Condor becomes strategic partner of Eintracht Frankfurt
The adventure begins: Condor is now the new strategic partner of Eintracht Frankfurt with immediate effect.


RIU Signs Landmark Agreement with TIRME to Use 100% Locally Sourced Renewable Electricity
RIU Hotels & Resorts has become the first hotel chain to sign an agreement with TIRME, the Environmental Technology Park of Mallorca, ensuring that all electricity used in its Balearic Islands hotels will be 100% renewable and locally produced.


Rome to welcome the world for WTTC’s 25th Global Summit
Global tourism leaders, government ministers, and Italian icons to unite in the Eternal City this September.


Regional Pacific Workshop Strengthens Link Between Agriculture and Tourism
UN Tourism, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) have concluded a successful three-day Regional Workshop on Sustainable Gastronomy Touri


U by Emaar expands internationally to Türkiye with the addition of Address Istanbul
U by Emaar, the distinguished lifestyle loyalty programme of Emaar, proudly announces its continued international expansion with the inclusion of Address Istanbul in Türkiye.


Spain: Spending by international tourists exceeded €46.5 billion up to May
International tourist arrivals in Spain in the first five months of 2025 exceeded 35 million, 5.5% more than in the same period last year.


Marella Cruises launches All Inclusive Cruise Calculator to help British travellers get the best val
Marella Cruises, the ocean cruise line operated by TUI UK & Ireland, has launched a new All Inclusive Cruise Calculator to help British holidaymakers understand the value of cruising and make more informed choices this summer.
