Wellness and Walkability Shape European Travel Preferences, Agoda Advises Hoteliers

Among top destinations, Malaysia shows largest year-on-year search growth at 20% in Agoda's Europe to Asia Summer Travel Trends Report

SINGAPORE, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda's latest Europe to Asia Summer Travel Trends data shows an increase in European traveler interest for Asian destinations.

Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam top the list of most searched destinations for summer 2025, with interest driven by travelers from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. Notably, search interest is also rising among travelers from Greece (+23%), Turkey (+21%), and Poland (+17%).

This growth in interest aligns with a broader shift in European traveler preferences, who are increasingly seeking authentic, immersive experiences in striking locations from exploring vibrant neighborhoods, enjoying wellness retreats and sampling local cuisine to discovering cultural landmarks on foot.

Agoda's guide to Asia's top cities to explore on foot highlights walkable hidden gems that make many of these trending destinations celebrated for their ease of accessibility. Hotels in walkable cities like Chiang Khan (Thailand), Melaka (Malaysia), Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) can stand out further by emphasizing their proximity to city centers, historic neighborhoods, and local attractions.

For Asian hoteliers, the growing appeal of walkable cities presents a timely opportunity to tailor offerings and capture the attention of Europe's next wave of Asia-bound guests. Properties can highlight walkability by offering curated street tour maps and guided walking tours to enhance guest experience. Accommodation providers can make it easier for guests to access local cuisine, hidden cafés, and cultural landmarks at every turn.

Wellness tourism continues to expand across Asia, with Mordor Intelligence reporting that the market is projected to reach USD 156 billion in 2025. Today's travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that not only offer convenience and cultural immersion, but also opportunities to recharge and focus on their wellbeing. Hoteliers can attract discerning guests by offering spa packages, yoga classes, or digital detox retreats, and by bundling wellness experiences with room rates. Chiang Khan in Thailand, for instance, is an ideal example of a wellness-focused destination, with its car-free walking street, peaceful sunrise views over the Mekong, and opportunities for mindful experiences. These thoughtful touches not only appeal to wellness-seeking travelers but also enhance the overall guest experience.

"As European travel patterns evolve, the real opportunity for hotels lies in anticipating not just where guests want to go, but how they want to experience those destinations," said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda. "By leveraging data-driven insights, hoteliers can move beyond traditional offerings to curate experiences that reflect the growing demand for wellness, walkability, and local authenticity. This approach positions them to capture interest from European travelers and build stronger, more resilient guest relationships for the long term."

With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda provides endless possibilities for creating unforgettable travel experiences.  

For more insights on how to optimize strategic hotel initiatives this summer, visit https://partnerhub.agoda.com/.

SOURCE Agoda