According to Agoda’s booking data, while domestic travel still dominates, Thailand and Singapore have emerged as the most popular international destinations for travelers. Singaporean travelers are eager to explore new borders, with Malaysia ranking as the top destination for Eid, while domestic travel remains the top choice for Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India.
Agoda’s data shows that Thailand leads the way, ranking in the top five destinations across all countries. Singapore follows closely, making the top five list for Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Both Indonesia and Malaysia are also top choices for multiple countries during this festive period.
On the international front, Malaysians, Indonesians, and Filipinos are seeking cooler climates, with the UK and the US among their preferred destinations. Meanwhile, Indian travelers are opting for warmer locales, with the Maldives ranking first, followed by the UAE.
A comparison of booking data between 2019 and 2022 reveals a shift in popular destinations. Japan, which was a top choice in 2019, has fallen out of the top 10 due to ongoing travel restrictions. Other 2019 favorites like China and Hong Kong also didn’t make the list, highlighting that countries with relaxed border restrictions are benefiting from a surge in international tourists.
Interestingly, travelers are venturing further afield this year, with countries like France, Turkey, Germany, and Switzerland entering the top 10. Switzerland, known for its chocolate and alpine landscapes, is now a favorite across all markets.
With many countries transitioning to an endemic phase and easing restrictions, travelers, especially those celebrating Eid, are seizing the opportunity to reunite with loved ones. This year marks the first time since the pandemic that many are able to travel freely for Eid celebrations. May has also proven to be a popular travel month, with public holidays like Labour Day, Eid, and Vesak Day offering an ideal travel window for Southeast Asian countries.
Popular Destination Trends by Country (2019 vs. 2022):
With most countries now transitioning to endemicity, the complete easing of restrictions comes as a breath of fresh air and delight for many especially as they gear up to celebrate Eid, a festivity largely spent with family, which marks the culmination of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in the Muslim calendar. For many regions, the Eid celebration this year marks the first time since the onset of the pandemic that Muslims are able to travel freely, reunite and celebrate following the easing of travel restrictions.
Moreover, the month of May is popular among eager travelers across Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, India and Indonesia) as the first two weeks of the month include three public holidays namely Labour Day (1 May), Eid (3-4 May) and Vesak Day (16 May), signaling a golden opportunity for travel.
Most popular destination comparisons by country over 2019 & 2022 Eid celebration period:
Malaysia
- Thailand remains the top regional destination for Malaysians over the festive period, while Singapore overtakes Japan to claim second spot.
- Malaysians opting for international destinations are looking to venture further this year with United Kingdom (#4), Turkey (#6), Australia (#7), Switzerland (#9) and France (#10) making an entry to the top ten list.
Top 10 Destinations for Singaporeans
Singapore
- Malaysia maintains its position as the top regional destination for Singaporeans while Thailand shifts from third spot to place second.
- Switzerland and United States makes a welcomed entry to the list as 2019 favorites such as Japan, China and Taiwan remain closed to international tourists.
- Philippines jumps from the bottom of the top ten leaderboard to fifth this year.
Top 10 Destinations for Indonesians
Indonesia
- Malaysia, which was the number two choice back in 2019 falls two spots down to fourth place in 2022 while Singapore rose to claim second spot this year.
- This year also sees interesting new additions to the top ten list with United States (#3), France (#5), Switzerland (#6), Turkey (#7), Netherlands (#9), Italy and United Kingdom (#10) making an entry.
Top 10 Destinations for Philippines
Philippines
- Filipino travelers’ top countries in 2019 – Japan (#2), Hong Kong (#3) and Taiwan (#4) were replaced by Singapore (#2), United States (#3) and Thailand (#4) in 2022 due to border restrictions.
- Filipinos also have their sights set on European countries this year compared 2019 where Asian countries dominated the list. This includes countries like France, Spain, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom and Switzerland.
- Singapore moved from the sixth spot in 2019 to second in 2022, while the United States jumps to third choice in 2022 from placing ninth in 2019.
Top 10 Destinations for India
India
- Maldives makes an entry to become the choice international destination for Indians this year. This is followed by Thailand (#3) and United Arab Emirates (#4).
- Despite border reopening, Malaysia dropped out of the list this year despite placing third in 2019.
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Source: Agoda – Synthesized by: OTA Lyst
