RateHawk, a B2B platform for booking accommodation, flights, and transfers, reports that this summer’s travel trends are being significantly influenced by the rising popularity of ‘coolcation’ destinations, a direct response to heat waves across Europe. In June, the number of travel agents’ searches for cooler destinations on RateHawk was 8% higher than in the same period last year. Also, this summer’s travel trends are being shaped by the impact of global sporting competition, driving long-haul destination bookings across the Americas.
Despite the current summer season being affected by factors such as ongoing uncertainties in the Middle East and the recently rolled-out EU border system, demand for summer travel remains strong, with bookings up by 20% worldwide according to RateHawk data.
The most popular European destinations among travel agents are Italy, Greece, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Portugal.
Iceland, while just outside the global top 10 destinations, is showing exceptional momentum this season. The country has seen remarkable growth of up to 47% compared to last summer. This surge is driven in part by airlines launching new routes from a few European countries and by travelers increasingly seeking out Iceland’s breathtaking scenery and unique travel experiences. The rise in popularity also reflects the growing “coolcation” trend, with more travellers choosing cooler destinations for their summer getaways.
Travel to Spain and Portugal is also rising rapidly, with travelers from Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany increasingly choosing these destinations for their summer holidays. In Spain, travelers spend an average of 196GBP per night and, on average, stay for four nights, while in Portugal, the average daily rate is 175GBP per night for a three-night stay.
In North America, the United States and Canada lead in bookings, supported by the FIFA World Cup, which attracted visitors from around the globe. Canada emerges as the fastest-growing destination, following last year’s record-breaking summer.
In Asia, Japan remains one of the top ten global destinations. Interest in Indonesia continues to grow, while demand for travel to China has doubled. This growth is supported by more airlines establishing new routes between Chinese cities and major European hubs (Frankfurt, Milan), making travel to China even more accessible. The average daily rate for accommodation bookings in China is 111GBP, with an average length of stay of 4 nights.
Astrid Kastberg, Managing Director at RateHawk, comments: “Despite a range of challenges this season, including the introduction of the new EU border system, the ongoing jet fuel crisis, and the Middle East conflict, demand for summer travel remains strong. RateHawk’s diverse supply has enabled travel agents to stay flexible and responsive to any customers’ demand shifts. Since the beginning of the year, we have connected a number of new accommodation suppliers and established direct partnerships with hundreds of hotels across Europe, Latin America, and other key travel destinations. This ongoing expansion allows us to meet the evolving needs of our partners and their clients, ensuring excellent options are always available, no matter the destination.”
In general, the average daily accommodation rate for bookings through travel agents stands at 194GBP, marking a 9% growth in comparison with last year, with a typical length of stay of 4 nights. The most budget-friendly destinations this summer are being booked in Asia, with Vietnam and Malaysia offering an average daily rate of 170GBP. Similarly, travelers can find great value in Latin American countries such as Chile, Peru, and Colombia, where the average daily rate is 92GBP and the typical stay lasts four nights. In contrast, the highest daily rates are recorded in Switzerland, Iceland, and Tanzania. Travelers pay an average of 285GBP per night in these destinations, with the average stay being three nights in Switzerland and Iceland, and five nights in Tanzania.
