Travel bookings among Australians have witnessed a remarkable upswing, with hotel and airline reservations soaring by 11% between January and May 2025. The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) anticipates that this momentum will lead to a projected $280 million in customer spending across Europe for the coming months of June, July, and August—a healthy 10% increase compared to the previous year.
“The robust growth in early travel planning indicates that many of our customers are eager to explore Europe this year,” asserted Yiken Yang, ANZ’s managing director of everyday banking. While this spending may not reach the impressive $313 million peak seen in 2023, Yang is optimistic about the travel sector’s vibrant resurgence in 2025.
As Australians shed the winter chill, they are increasingly gravitating toward exotic destinations, with Japan and Thailand emerging as favorite holiday spots. According to ANZ, there’s also a notable curiosity for travel within Asia and the Pacific, indicating a wider diversification in travel choices. “Aussies continue to switch out their winter with new travel experiences,” Yang remarked, reflecting a shift in traveler priorities.
Interestingly, while European travel from ANZ customers experienced a dip in 2024, non-European destinations have seen a 3% increase in spending. Regions like Indonesia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Japan have captured the attention of holidaymakers, with Japan reflecting an impressive year-on-year growth of 32.4%. This surge has solidified Japan’s place among the top 10 travel destinations for ANZ customers, positioning it as a key player in the global tourism landscape.
How much is ANZ predicting for customer spending in Europe this summer?
ANZ projects that customer spending in Europe will reach $280 million during the months of June, July, and August in 2025, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.
Which destinations are gaining popularity among Australian travelers?
Japan and Thailand are emerging as top holiday spots for Australians, with Japan reporting a significant 32.4% growth year-on-year.
How does the travel spending in 2025 compare to 2024 and 2023?
While spending in 2025 is expected to increase from 2024, it is not anticipated to surpass the peak of $313 million seen in 2023, indicating a growing optimism for the travel sector’s recovery.
