Cairns Among Global Top 10 Ten Trending Travel Destinations For 2024

Cairns Rainforest Retreat

Booking.com has today released its 2024 Travel Predictions for Australians, with Cairns making its Global Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations next year*.

Alongside the Global Top Trending Destinations, Booking.com also released 7 Travel Predictions for for Aussie travellers in 2024: 

1. Alter Ego Enthusiasts - almost one-third (30%) of Aussies report making up stories about themselves when travelling.
2. Cool-cationers - It’s no surprise that with another El Nino looming, Aussies are looking to beat the heat, with nearly half (42%) reporting climate change will impact the way they holiday next year, and 41% planning on using their holiday to cool off as a result.
3. Surrender Seekers – Over half (57%) of Aussie travellers are leaving their holiday plans up to chance next year, whilst 40% say they would trust AI to plan their holiday.
4. Culinary Excavators - Food is playing a bigger role than ever before with four-fifths (81%) of Aussie travellers wanting to savour indigenous cuisine when exploring.
5. Reboot Retreaters - Aussies are redefining their travel experiences, with sleep tourism (55%), solo travel (50%), and matchmaking holidays (30%) on the rise.
6. A La Carte Affluencers- The impact of the cost of living crisis is leading over half (54%) of travellers to choose their destinations based on economic pressures.
7. Mindful Aesthetes - Combining sustainability and luxury, travellers are seeking stunning eco-friendly stays; with nearly half (47%) of travellers looking for accommodation with a wow factor in sustainability innovation.

Booking.com’s latest global search data also shows that Sydney is now in the top #20 global most searched destinations for check-ins through December to February at #20 and up three places from last year.

"Heading into a new year, Aussies are demonstrating a renewed sense of optimism when it comes to travel, looking for opportunities to reinvigorate and reinvent themselves, be it on international escapades or simply exploring their own backyard, to level up their day-to-day lives,” comments Todd Lacey, Regional Manager of Oceania at Booking.com.

“Our 2024 Travel Predictions reflect the idea that travel is not a means to escape life, but instead a catalyst to live our best lives. At Booking.com, it's our mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world and we are committed to empowering extraordinary experiences that resonate with the heartbeat of each and every traveller in 2024 and beyond.

*Top Ten Trending Destinations include: 

1. 

   Beppu

   Beppu, Japan
2. Vlorë, Albania
3. Mérida, Mexico
4. Portland, Oregon, United States
5. Valkenburg, Netherlands
6. Buenos Aires, Argentina
7. Chemnitz, Germany
8. Rotorua, New Zealand
9. Panglao, Philippines
10. Cairns, Australia

Methodology: Destinations had to be in the top 1,000 most booked on Booking.com between 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2023. The resulting list was then sorted by year-over-year increase. The destinations were slightly curated to ensure geographic distribution.

* Holly Betts at holly.betts@havasred.com