By: Staff Writer
July 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the top three global summer travel destinations for July and August, according to Emirates, the world’s largest international airline. The island nation has seen a remarkable 32% increase in flight searches, driven by its rich cultural heritage, scenic beaches, lush tea plantations, and affordable luxury experiences.
This ranking comes from Emirates’ latest analysis of global booking trends, revealing where international travelers are heading during the peak summer months. The data shows a strong global appetite for culturally immersive experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations in 2025.
Vietnam has topped Emirates’ summer travel chart with a 61% surge in travel interest, followed by the idyllic island of Mauritius, which has seen a 41% increase. Sri Lanka, served by four daily Emirates flights, ranks just behind with its significant growth in search volumes.
Japan also continues to attract international explorers with a 28% boost in searches, thanks to its harmonious blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation. France completes the top five, enjoying a 25% rise in demand. Emirates supports this demand with frequent flights to Paris, Nice, and Lyon.
Emirates’ network-wide data reveals a 7% year-on-year rise in summer flight searches, with countries like Ireland, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the UAE showing robust outbound travel interest. Within the UAE, searches for destinations like Sri Lanka, Jordan, France, India, and Lebanon have notably increased by 13%.
The airline’s booking trends also show diverse preferences across regions. U.S. travelers are increasingly eyeing African destinations such as Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, while UK travelers are searching more for long-haul escapes, including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius.
Indian travelers are showing growing interest in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. German tourists, meanwhile, are leaning eastward, with high search volumes for Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Seychelles.
Summer vacations, particularly among travelers from India, Australia, the UK, and Germany, tend to be extended, with nearly one-third staying for more than a month. Americans prefer slightly shorter trips of two to three weeks.
Inbound travel to Dubai, Emirates’ home base, is also expected to remain strong this summer, highlighting its year-round appeal. The data shows diverse traveler demographics with distinct patterns. Nearly half of visitors from the US, India, and Australia are solo travelers, blending business and leisure. Family travel is also significant, with one-third of visitors from the US and India traveling as families. UK family travelers tend to extend their stay beyond two weeks.
Couples, especially younger travelers from Australia and Germany, are opting for longer stays ranging from two weeks to a month, maximizing their exploration of Dubai.
As global wanderlust rises, Sri Lanka’s growing popularity reflects a renewed appreciation for destinations that offer cultural depth, scenic beauty, and value for money — all accessible with Emirates’ extensive global network.
