Agoda Travel Smart study reveals which of Asia’s destinations sees the fastest growth in visitors from Europe

SINGAPORE, 2016-Sep-13 — /Travel PR News/ — Agoda, one of the world’s leading accommodation sites and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq:PCLN), announced today the results of its most recent Travel Smart study which shows which of Asia’s destinations are seeing the fastest growth in visitors from Europe.

Based on booking data from millions of Agoda.com customers in Europe, the study analyzed which destinations had seen the highest growth in hotel bookings over the past 12 months. Myanmar and Japan tied for most destinations with three each.

1. Siquijor Island, Philippines – 135%
2. Wakayama, Japan – 111%
3. Mawlamyine, Myanmar – 90%
4. Hpa An, Myanmar – 85%
5. Koh Rong, Cambodia – 68%
6. Hsipaw, Myanmar – 64%
7. Bromo, Indonesia – 62%
8. Redang Island, Malaysia – 62%
9. Takayama, Japan – 61%
10. Nara, Japan – 57%

In Myanmar, bookings in Mawlamyine, capital of the Mon State, nearly doubled from 2014. The town is known for its colonial period architecture and bustling waterfront, while the charming town of Hpa An, surrounded by picturesque mountains, saw bookings by Europeans up 85% versus last year.

“Some amazing destinations in Myanmar are slowly opening up thanks to improving infrastructure. The traditional tourist loop, which used to include just Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan, is expanding,” said Errol Cooke, Vice President, Partner Services of Agoda.

Beaches and other destinations with beautiful natural attractions are also gaining in popularity among Europeans. Koh Rong, an island in Cambodia with beautiful, white sand beaches, comes in 5th on the list with growth of 68% versus last year. Bromo, home to a stunningly active volcano of the same name, in Indonesia, comes in at 7th on the list with more than 60% growth year on year.

SOURCE:  agoda.com