Southeast Asia is set to be the star of 2025 after Newmarket reported big spikes in sales to the region
The escorted tour specialist has reported total sales to Southeast Asia almost doubled in 2024 with bookings for the ‘Follow the Mekong through Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam’ itinerary up by 100% and the ‘Borneo’s Orangutans and Rainforest Adventure’ three times higher than 2023.
Both Indonesia and Bali, two new destinations for the operator, have been strong growth drivers for Southeast Asia and Newmarket is keen to increase its product offering in the Far East to further meet the trend.
Hayley Morris, head of trade and partnerships, said, “Southeast Asia has exploded in popularity over the past few months, driven by a post-lockdown desire from mature travellers to visit wish-list destinations.
“We're expanding our Asia collection to keep pace with the trend, ensuring agents have a wide choice of great quality, superbly-priced tours that provide interesting and engaging itineraries that showcase must-see sites and immerse guests in the culture and heritage of their chosen destination."
Newmarket has also seen a huge rise in ultra-early bookings for long-haul destinations as customers are booking dream destinations two or more years in advance which encouraged the operator to put its 2027 holidays on sale earlier than ever before.