Digital travel platform Agoda reveals insights from booking data

Domestic travel remains number one for India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines, while Singapore-based travellers are keen to explore newly opened borders, with neighboring Malaysia ranking top destination this Eid. 

Meanwhile, booking data from digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Indians are seeking out warmer climates, with Maldives topping the list of favourite international destinations followed by Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. When it comes to the APAC region, Thailand and Singapore have emerged as the most popular regional destinations for festive travellers, with Thailand leading the pack in making the top five destinations list for all countries. This is followed by Singapore, which placed in the top five for Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Indonesia and Malaysia are on par, emerging as Eid favorites for two countries, respectively.  

On the international front, Malaysians, Indonesians and Filipinos are flocking to cooler weathers with the United Kingdom and the United States appearing as choice destinations.  

A further comparison between booking data over the festive period in 2019 and 2022 showed a shift in top ten destination choices for each country. Japan was among the top destination choices in 2019 for most of the markets. However, this year, Japan slipped out of the top 10 list as the country still remains closed to tourists. Other 2019 favorites such as China and Hong Kong also did not make the top 10 list this year with existing border closure. This indicates that countries that have been quick to ease restrictions and open its doors stand to gain from international tourist arrivals during this period.  

Meanwhile, the top destinations this year also indicate that travellers are opting to travel further, with unassuming countries like France, Turkey, Germany and the United Arab Emirates emerging as top destination choices. Switzerland, famously known for rich milky chocolate and mesmerising alpine scenery, has etched itself into the top 10 destination list for all markets.