Summers Out and International Travel is Coming Back

Digital travel platform reveals the top trending holiday destinations now that international travel is slowly becoming the norm again. Travellers are dusting off their suitcases and are ready to embrace the holiday season somewhere different than the past two years.

Malaysian travellers are flocking to new destinations across the globe with the UK (#4), India (#6), France (#7), Switzerland (#9) and the Philippines (#10) making a welcome debut on the top 10 international holiday destinations for Malaysian travellers this summer.

Agoda’s booking data also revealed that Malaysians are eager to re-visit long-time neighbouring favourites like Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam, which reclaimed their place in the top five summer travel destinations list. Closer to home, the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur comes up top as the domestic travel destination of choice, followed by Penang #2, Melaka #3, Johor Bahru #4 and Kota Kinabalu #5. These rankings show that Malaysians favour a mix of beach and city getaways.

On a global level, three Malaysian destinations have clinched positions on the top 15 global summer destinations list with Kuala Lumpur ranking #3, Penang #10 and Johor Bahru #14.  Bangkok, however, has claimed the number one spot for summer travel in 2022. With travel rules almost entirely relaxed, the bustling Thailand capital has embraced the holiday season offering nightlife, beaches, temples, culture, and cuisine.

Top global destinations in 2022

“Worldwide, we are seeing international travel coming back this year as travel restrictions have eased, proving people have been looking forward to travelling internationally again for the past two years. Travellers are making the most of the holidays and are keen to visit both domestic and international destinations in Asia.”

“Reliving memories as well as going back to places they once enjoyed seems to be the theme this summer. Through Agoda we aim to provide best-in-class travel options both on the website and app, may it be accommodation, flights along with great things to do as travel continues to get back to normal,” said Omri Morgenshtern, CEO, Agoda.

Travellers can get the best travel deals as well as find out the latest border or quarantine restrictions on www.agoda.com.

Summer travel facts:

• Bangkok is the top Asia Pacific destination for both US and UK travellers and ranks in the top three spots globally for all regions.
• Malaysian travellers are excited to re-visit Thailand, followed by Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam this summer holiday season.
• Singaporeans are visiting neighbour Malaysia the most followed by Thailand and Indonesia.
• Australians are the biggest international travellers to Bali, followed by Singaporeans, Koreans, and Indian travellers.
• American travellers’ top three Asia Pacific destinations are Bangkok, Manila and Tokyo.

Top Destinations by Region for summer travel in 2022

Top five most popular countries by market for summer travel in 2022

*Agoda booking data was collated from May – August 2022. Travel recovery trend adapted from World Travel & Tourism Council’s 2022 report.