As global travel surges this summer, Emirates has released its 2025 summer trends, spotlighting destinations that have captured the imagination of travellers in July and August. Based on global booking data and search patterns, the airline highlights a shift toward cultural exploration and off-the-beaten-path escapes.
Flight searches across the Emirates network have risen 7% year-on-year, with countries such as France, Ireland, Canada, and Saudi Arabia seeing notable increases. France leads with a 35% surge in outbound travel interest, while Vietnam emerges as the standout destination, recording a 61% leap in demand.
With 25 weekly flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and the newly added Da Nang via Bangkok, Emirates has positioned itself as a gateway to Vietnam’s rich cultural and natural offerings. Da Nang, in particular, connects travellers to three UNESCO World Heritage sites and miles of unspoiled coastline. From bustling street markets to coastal retreats, Vietnam is shaping up to be the “it” destination of summer 2025.
Mauritius follows closely with a 41% increase in flight searches, appealing to sunseekers drawn by its luxury resorts and vibrant coral reefs. Emirates offers two daily A380 flights to the island nation. Sri Lanka is also surging in popularity, with a 32% rise, enticing travellers with its mix of beaches, historic sites, and tea-country charm.
Japan continues to attract global travellers, with 28% growth in flight searches. Emirates connects passengers to Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Osaka with 21 weekly flights, offering easy access to the country’s blend of futuristic cities and tranquil countryside.
France, a perennial favourite, rounds out the top five. With 21 weekly flights to Paris — including three daily A380s — along with daily services to Nice and Lyon, Emirates is catering to strong summer demand from global markets.
The report also reveals emerging regional patterns:
- UAE residents are showing growing interest in destinations like Sri Lanka, Jordan, France, and Morocco, with a 13% rise in searches.
- US travellers are focusing on African destinations, especially Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa.
- UK travellers are expanding their horizons to long-haul spots including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Mauritius.
- Indian travellers are increasingly exploring Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Australian travellers are planning European escapes, particularly to France and the UK.
- German travellers show growing interest in East Asia and island destinations like Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Seychelles.
The data shows summer travel skewing toward longer trips — with nearly one-third of Indian, British, German, and Australian travellers opting for extended stays, while US travellers favour 2-3 week vacations.
Dubai remains a key summer hub, with strong inbound traffic expected. Solo travellers make up nearly half of visitors from the US, India, and Australia, often combining business with leisure. Family and couple travel also remains strong, with UK families favouring extended holidays and German and Australian couples opting for month-long stays to explore the city.
Emirates’ 2025 data underscores the enduring appeal of cultural richness, unique experiences, and meaningful travel — all shaping the summer journeys of a global community.
