London is most searched-for global tourists’ destination in 2023

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

London has taken the spotlight as the most searched-for global tourist destination in 2023, surpassing Paris, according to data released by travel agency eDreams ODIGEO.

The British capital’s popularity is evident in its ranking as the top destination for flight searches from markets around the world. London was closely followed by Paris, New York City, Bangkok, and Barcelona in the list of most-searched destinations.

While London claimed the top spot in flight searches, Paris secured the leading position in terms of the most popular booked destination globally, with Barcelona coming in second. London followed in third place.

One noteworthy trend highlighted in the report is the timing of travel bookings. Nearly half (44 percent) of all bookings globally were made within two weeks or less of the departure date, indicating a preference for last-minute travel planning. Only 19 percent of bookings were made more than 61 days in advance.

The report also revealed that a substantial portion of trips (34 percent) were short-duration stays lasting only 3-4 days, highlighting the enduring popularity of mini-breaks, which offer travelers a cost-effective way to explore new destinations.

These findings are part of eDreams’ Year in Travel report, which analyzed booking data from its customers in key European markets and the US. In the case of Britons, Dublin emerged as the most popular destination, with 76 percent of bookings focused on continental travel.

Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed a surge in foreign tourists visiting London, driven by the attractiveness of a weaker pound. In the three months leading up to June, London welcomed 5.315 million foreign visitors, a substantial increase from the previous year when travel restrictions related to the pandemic were in place.

eDreams ODIGEO’s CEO, Dana Dunne, noted that travel continues to be a vital aspect of people’s lives, and traditional hotspots like London, Paris, and Barcelona remain popular. He also pointed out the growing popularity of long-haul destinations like Bangkok, Las Vegas, and New York, attributed to the availability of information and inspiration through technology and social media platforms like TikTok. Moreover, he anticipated that travel trends in the coming year would be influenced by events such as the Olympics in Paris, making 2024 an exciting year for travellers.

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