Solo travel emerges as a new driver of Asian tourism
More and more travelers going to Asia are doing away with companions and ditching group tours as they gain confidence in solo traveling.
In a recent report from digital travel platform Agoda, it estimated a 16-percent increase in solo accommodation searches across Asia from last year.
In Asia, the top considered destinations are Tokyo, Bangkok, Seoul, Osaka and Kuala Lumpur. These cities are to offer a wide range of attractions—from cultural experiences and world-class dining to bustling entertainment hubs—deemed as “perfect for those looking to explore the world at their own pace.”
This solo travel trend is seen mostly among people originating from countries like Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan.
Indonesian solo travelers accounted for 72 percent of the increase in searches, followed by Thai solo vacationers at 37 percent.
Jay Lee, regional director at Agoda North Asia, attributed this trend to “a growing desire for personal discovery and meaningful cultural immersion.”
Similarly, Generation Z and Millennials accounted for the most number of solo travelers from the United States in 2024. They were motivated by cultural experiences, adventure and mental wellness, according to the visa application digital platform Atlys.
More women than men
Further, the report cited a more significant number of women solo travelers than men, as they are “drawn by safety, self-growth and freedom.”
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Asia Pacific remains the largest contributor to global passenger growth, spurred by international traffic growth among carriers.
But although more and more travelers are opting to hit the road without a companion, this is not seen to hurt air carriers’ passenger traffic. Rather, solo travel is seen as a contributor to the global tourism sphere.
Based on Atlys’ solo travelers statistics, 62 percent of them planned at least two to five trips this year.
Further, IATA saw an increase in scheduled seat capacity in November and December this year, at 3.9 percent and 4.7 percent, respectively. This year is seen to underscore the confidence of the airline industry, as demand for leisure travel and year-end business-related activity surged for the holiday season.
In the Philippines, the sustained growth in passenger volume is seen as carriers increased frequencies and added new flights to international destinations, including key cities in Japan, Vietnam, South Korea and Australia. This is to accommodate the holiday peak.
