Mastercard Economics Institute in a report on Thursday said that Dhaka was becoming a popular destination for Malaysian travelers, as Malaysia’s overseas spending rose by 3.5 per cent, showing Dhaka’s growing importance in the region.
Dhaka was the 13th fastest-growing city for Indian travelers, with a 31.2 per cent increase in visitors in 2024 compared to 2019, while Abu Dhabi ranked 1st on the list, according to Travel trends 2025, the annual MEI report on consumer spending in the travel economy, shared at a roundtable using Zoom platform on Thursday.
Asia-Pacific is home to eight of the world’s top 15 trending summer travel destinations while Tokyo and Osaka top the list of summer hot spots while Nha Trang makes its debut, the report said, adding that currency fluctuations are a key consideration for travelers.
The Asia-Pacific region continues to set the pace for global travel, with buzzing destinations like Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Singapore capturing the imagination of travelers around the world, according to Mastercard Asia Pacific chief economist David Mann.
‘Even as economic uncertainty persists, travel remains a bright spot—driven by people seeking meaningful, value-driven experiences. From exchange rates to regional accessibility, travelers are making smarter, more intentional choices about where they go and why, with a clear shift toward more personal, purposeful journeys,’ David said while presenting the report at the webinar.
In 2024, Japan’s capital city climbed from the number two spot that it held in 2023 to lead global travel demand heading into the peak summer season, reflecting its continued appeal, the report said.
Meanwhile, Nha Trang in Vietnam made a surprise entry into the list, climbing in popularity thanks to its beautiful beaches, enviable coastline and vibrant nightlife, it added.
The report said that China and India—still Asia’s travel titans: The Chinese Mainland retained its position as the world’s largest outbound travel market in 2024, it said, adding that Chinese travelers are increasingly prioritizing value and visa- friendly destinations including Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Interest in Central Asian destinations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan is also increasing, the report also said.
‘This report is designed to offer a clearer view of how consumer behaviors are evolving—and what that means for tourism growth, added David.
‘By turning data into actionable insights, the Mastercard Economics Institute aims to support the travel ecosystem in making smarter decisions that drivestronger tourism strategies, better traveler experiences, and more resilient economic outcomes.’
