- A recent study revealed the top ten trending destinations expected to cost more in 2025 due to increased popularity, with Rome leading in interest growth.
- New York had the highest overall monthly travel search volumes over the past two years.
- Tokyo was the most visited city in previous years, attracting ten times more visitors than Los Angeles, which is the second most visited city.
A recent study by DIPNDIVE has revealed the top ten cities expected to attract the most tourists in 2025, likely driving up travel costs in the coming year. The study aimed to identify these cities by analyzing search volumes for specific monthly travel-related keywords in 2023 and 2024, providing insights into shifting travel preferences. Cities were then ranked based on the highest growth rate in search volume, highlighting those poised for significant tourism surges.
| Destination | Tourist arrivals in 2023 (mln) | Monthly Total Travel Searches for 2023 | Monthly Total Travel Searches for 2024 | Interest Growth Rate |
| Rome | 10.10 | 2761030 | 3817320 | 38.26% |
| Tokyo | 494.20 | 4352280 | 5657010 | 29.98% |
| New York | 62.20 | 7132170 | 8703510 | 22.03% |
| Osaka | 15.60 | 1613230 | 1959350 | 21.46% |
| Paris | 30 | 4533900 | 5456240 | 20.34% |
| Munich | 8.50 | 1185160 | 1418840 | 19.72% |
| Los Angeles | 49.10 | 5333200 | 6100970 | 14.40% |
| Berlin | 12.10 | 1365820 | 1551240 | 13.58% |
| Seoul | 1.60 | 1337500 | 1501130 | 12.23% |
| London | 32.42 | 5969120 | 6391560 | 7.08% |
Rome is projected to lead the trend with its sharp 38.26% increase in interest. Building on its strong visitor base of 10.1 million, the city’s growing popularity shows no signs of slowing as it positions itself as a key destination for 2025, likely driving up travel costs.
Tokyo ranks second, with a 29.98% jump in traveler curiosity. With 4.35 million travel searches and 494.2 million visitors in the previous year, Tokyo sets itself apart as the most visited city on this list.
New York secures third place with a 22.03% rise in interest, driven by 7.13 million searches and 62.2 million visitors – the second most of any city that year. This strong demand is likely to push up travel costs for accommodations and popular attractions.
Osaka is projected to capture the fourth place with an anticipated 21.46% rise in travel interest. The online interest in the city climbed from 1.61 million searches in 2023 to nearly 1.96 million in 2024. Osaka also hosted 15.6 million visitors, showing its popularity as a desirable destination within Japan.
Paris is positioned to claim fifth place with a projected 20.34% growth in traveler interest. The city recorded 5.4 million searches during the previous year and welcomed 30 million visitors, maintaining its position as a global favorite.
Munich is sixth and recorded a nearly 20% growth in interest, reaching 1.42 million searches in 2024. Hosting 8.5 million visitors previously, the city is likely to see higher prices for accommodations and activities.
Los Angeles takes seventh place with a 14.40% increase in travel interest, driven by 6.1 million searches in 2024 and 49.1 million visitors in the previous year. This steady demand is expected to contribute to gradual increases in travel costs for the city’s accommodations and attractions.
Berlin holds the eighth position with an expected 13.58% growth in interest. The rising trajectory of search volumes, combined with its solid visitor numbers, points to likely increases in travel costs as the city’s popularity continues to grow into 2025.
Seoul recorded a 12.23% increase in interest, with searches climbing from 1.33 million to 1.5 million during the previous years. Although its 1.6 million visitors are relatively low, rising demand could gradually drive up costs.
London completes the top ten with a 7.08% increase in travel searches. The city saw 5.97 million searches previously and welcomed 32.42 million visitors, making it the most visited city in Europe that year.
A spokesperson from DIPNDIVE commented on the study: “It’s exciting to see so much interest in these destinations, and they’re definitely worth exploring for the incredible experiences they offer. However, with rising demand, it’s important to keep in mind that travel costs are likely to increase. Higher prices for accommodations, flights, and activities can catch travelers off guard, so planning ahead and booking early can make a big difference. It’s also a good idea to consider traveling during less busy times or exploring nearby areas to stretch your budget while still having a memorable trip.”
