InsightPress Release

APAC travel defies rising costs says Criteo in new report

SINGAPORE – Despite escalating travel costs and economic uncertainties, wanderlust remains unstoppable across Asia Pacific. Criteo’s newly released Spring 2025 Travel Pulse paints a vibrant picture of resilient travelers, growing ahead-of-season bookings, and the transformative role of AI in shaping next-gen itineraries.

As the world navigates economic shifts, APAC’s love affair with travel is thriving. According to the report, hotel bookings in Q1 2025 soared by 10%, with air travel following at a 7% uptick. These numbers outperformed both the Americas and EMEA, which saw declines in most categories.

And it’s not just about the destinations – it’s about intention. From July to October 2024, travel bookings outpaced retail sales by over 12 index points in APAC, signaling that consumers are placing more value on experiences than material purchases. The surge was particularly visible in Southeast Asia during mid year, where bookings spiked more than six index points above retail sales. Savvy marketers take note: travelers are searching an average of 52 days ahead for multi day stays, offering a golden window for brands to intercept early planning moments with compelling campaigns.

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The report also uncovers evolving traveller interests and purchase behaviours. Notably, 60% of APAC
travellers prioritise food-related attractions, presenting an opportunity for marketers to spotlight local
cuisine, promote culinary tours, and align with food-centric experiences. Affluent travellers from this region emerged as leading consumers in the Health & Beauty category across multiple markets and are twice as likely to purchase luxury items compared to the average traveller. Similarly, affluent travelers from Southeast Asia are 32% more likely to buy makeup and 27% more likely to invest in skincare products.

Another key trend is the rising adoption of AI tools among APAC travellers for itinerary planning and travel inspiration, with full trip planning and flight bookings witnessing an increase year-on-year in Q1 2025. This shift signals an opportunity for travel marketers to ensure their content is optimised for AI discovery and that product data is structured to appear in AI-generated recommendations.

“Travel planning today is shaped by fast-changing trends, shifting consumer priorities amid macroeconomic changes, and the growing role of AI in decision-making,” said Taranjeet Singh, Managing Director, Venture Markets, APAC at Criteo. “The Spring 2025 Travel Pulse Report sheds light on how these
dynamics are influencing traveler behaviour — helping travel marketers personalise experiences and reach the right audience, with the right message, at the moment it matters most.”

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Criteo’s Spring 2025 Travel Pulse report is able to be viewed here.

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