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Tirupati, India, Among Asia’s Most Affordable Summer Destinations in 2025: Agoda
Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed its list of the most budget-friendly summer destinations in Asia for June to August 2025. From cultural hubs to scenic retreats, these destinations offer travelers the chance to explore without stretching their wallets. Surabaya, Indonesia, leads the list with an average room rate of just INR 3037 per night*, making it a top choice for those eager to embrace culture and adventure this summer. Surabaya is followed closely by Tirupati, India, and Hat Yai, Thailand in the top three, with average room rates of ₹3211 and ₹3385 per night, respectively. These destinations offer the perfect summer escape, combining rich culture, diverse cuisine, and picturesque settings for an unforgettable getaway. Gaurav Malik, Country Director – India, Sri Lanka & Nepal at Agoda, shared: “It is exciting to see Tirupati featured in a diverse mix of destinations in this year’s list of Asia’s most affordable summer getaways. Travellers today are seeking value without compromising on cultural depth or travel ease, and many of these cities offer just that, with good connectivity, simple visa processes, and rich local experiences. Tirupati stands out as a destination that blends spiritual significance with affordability. At Agoda, we remain committed to making such meaningful journeys easier and more accessible for everyone.” The Cheapest Summer Destinations ranking is based on average room rates in the ten most popular destinations across nine Asian markets, highlighting the most wallet-friendly options for summer travelers. Surabaya, Indonesia (₹3037 average room rate per night) Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, Surabaya offers visitors a chance to explore its historic architecture, bustling markets, and delicious street food. The city is also a gateway to nearby attractions like Mount Bromo and Madura Island. Tirupati, India (₹3211 average room rate per night) Home to the renowned Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati is a spiritual haven for many. Beyond its religious significance, the city offers a rich cultural experience with its vibrant festivals, traditional music, and delectable South Indian cuisine. Hat Yai, Thailand (₹3385 average room rate per night) Famous for its lively markets and mouthwatering street food, Hat Yai is a versatile destination that also serves as a gateway to nearby beaches and islands. The city is perfect for those looking to enjoy a mix of urban and natural attractions. Dalat, Vietnam (₹3905 average room rate per night) Nestled in the Central Highlands, Dalat is known for its cool climate, beautiful landscapes, and charming French colonial architecture. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring the city's vibrant flower gardens. Iloilo, Philippines (₹4079 average room rate per night) Iloilo offers a blend of historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and a thriving food scene. Visitors can explore the city's Spanish colonial churches, enjoy local delicacies, and relax on the pristine beaches of nearby islands. Kuching, Malaysia (₹4600 average room rate per night) Kuching is a cultural gem, offering a mix of heritage sites, local cuisine, and access to natural attractions like Bako National Park. Its laid-back vibe makes it a great choice for a summer getaway. Nagoya, Japan (₹7811 average room rate per night) Nagoya offers a wealth of experiences for travelers, from the iconic Nagoya Castle to the Toyota Commemorative Museum. Food enthusiasts can savor the city’s renowned hitsumabushi (grilled eel), while shoppers can enjoy unique finds in its bustling shopping districts. Kaohsiung, Taiwan (₹7811 average room rate per night) Kaohsiung is a vibrant port city with a mix of cultural landmarks, night markets, and scenic spots like Lotus Pond. It’s an excellent destination for those looking to experience the charm of southern Taiwan. Daejeon, South Korea (₹8072 average room rate per night) Daejeon offers a mix of modern attractions and natural beauty, with highlights like the Expo Science Park and Yuseong Hot Springs. Its parks and museums make it a great destination for families and solo travelers alike. With over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities available, Agoda makes it easy to plan the perfect summer getaway. Visit Agoda.com/deals or download the Agoda mobile app for the best deals.
Agoda: More Indian travellers making their way to Southeast Asia
Agoda reports that the range of destinations for Indian passport holders is currently expanding thanks to the growing number of Southeast Asian nations relaxing their visa policies. This shift is not only breaking down logistical barriers but also encouraging an increase in international travel, particularly to destinations that have recently simplified entry requirements. Recent information from the online travel platform reveals that Indian travellers are responding enthusiastically to these changes. Comparing accommodation searches made on Agoda between July to December 2024 for check-ins between January to May 2025, against the same timeframe a year earlier, Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, all of whom have eased visa requirements, have seen a clear rise in interest. Commenting on the trend, Agoda country director for India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal Gaurav Malik said: "The easing of visa restrictions across Southeast Asia is a welcome move that resonates strongly with Indian travellers. As barriers to entry fall, we're seeing a direct impact on travel interest and planning. This new era of accessibility is helping travellers discover not just tourist-favourites like Malaysia, Philippines and Sri Lanka but also hidden gems like Palau. Agoda remains committed to making travel seamless and affordable, and we're excited to see where this heightened accessibility takes Indian tourists next." Where Indian travellers are headed Malaysia, which introduced visa-free entry for Indian citizens in 2023, recorded a 47 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase in accommodation searches. Cities like Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, and the Highlands have all seen a significant increase, indicating renewed enthusiasm for Malaysia's diverse travel offerings. Similarly, the Pacific Island nation of Palau, despite being a lesser-known gem, witnessed a 49 percent increase in interest, alongside its recent announcement of visa-free entry for Indian passport holders. The Philippines, a long-time favourite for sun-soaked escapes, also joined the club of visa-friendly destinations for Indians in April of this year. Agoda observed an upward trend in accommodation searches among Indian travelers for the Philippines, contributing to a YoY increase of 26 percent, with Manila, Palawan, and Cebu among the top gainers. Sri Lanka has also seen a nine percent overall YoY increase following the country's decision to grant visa-free access to Indian passport holders. An increased interest in destinations like Mirissa and Nuwara Eliya suggests Indian tourists are eager to explore beyond familiar favorites such as Colombo and Kandy.
Agoda casts the spotlight on microtravel in Asia
Digital travel platform Agoda is currently highlighting the draw of microtravel among travellers throughout Asia. Microtravel refers to trips that may be short but pack a serious punch in terms of attractions and experiences. These short-term trips are an ideal option for spontaneous travellers or workers who want to squeeze a quick getaway into a busy work schedule without need for elaborate plans or extensive spending. According to Agoda vice-president Jun Dong: "Microtravel is all about making the most of your time and budget while still enjoying meaningful experiences. Whether you're looking for an urban adventure or a tropical escape, these destinations show that you can pack a world of fun into a quick getaway. Agoda's wide range of accommodations and activities makes it easier than ever for travelers to plan their perfect one-night trip." Why should travellers consider microtravel? Microtravel makes exploring nearby destinations, cultural hubs, and hidden gems more accessible than ever. Whether it's a day trip or a one-night stay, these bite-sized journeys are ideal for travelers with limited vacation time or unpredictable work commitments. With lower costs and reduced planning stress, taking a micro-cation is the ideal antidote to those seeking a quick, stress-free adventure. The most appealing locations for microtravel in Asia Agoda bookings made between January and May 2025 show that Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is currently the most popular destination for a one-night stay in Asia. The Malaysian capital was followed by Seoul, Taipei, Manila, and Pattaya in the top five; meanwhile, the cities of Jeju, Nagoya, Kaohsiung, Penang, and Surabaya rounded out the top ten. Whether it's city lights or beach sunsets, these destinations prove that exploring the world doesn't require extra days off or time-consuming planning.
Rise in Indian Travel to Southeast Asia: Agoda
Tasik Dayang Bunting, Langkawi, Malaysia The landscape of international travel for Indian passport holders is undergoing a transformation, courtesy the growing trend of relaxed visa policies across Southeast Asia. This shift is not only breaking down logistical barriers but also encouraging an increase in international travel, particularly to destinations that have recently simplified entry requirements. Data from digital platform Agoda reveals that Indian travellers are responding enthusiastically to these changes. Comparing accommodation searches made on Agoda between July to December 2024 for check-ins between January to May 2025, against the same timeframe a year earlier, Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka — countries with eased visa requirements — have seen a clear rise in interest. Commenting on the trend, Gaurav Malik, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda, said: “The easing of visa restrictions across Southeast Asia is a welcome move that resonates strongly with Indian travellers. As barriers to entry fall, we’re seeing a direct impact on travel interest and planning. This new era of accessibility is helping travellers discover not just tourist-favourites like Malaysia, Philippines and Sri Lanka but also hidden gems like Palau. Agoda remains committed to making travel seamless and affordable, and we’re excited to see where this heightened accessibility takes Indian tourists next.” Malaysia truly Asia Malaysia, which introduced visa-free entry for Indian citizens in 2023, recorded a 47% year-on-year (YoY) increase in accommodation searches. Cities like Langkawi (+118%), Kuala Lumpur (+28%) and Highlands (+27%) have seen an increase, indicating renewed enthusiasm for Malaysia’s diverse travel offerings. Similarly, the Pacific Island nation of Palau, despite being a lesser-known gem, witnessed a 49% increase in interest, alongside its recent announcement of visa-free entry for Indian passport holders earlier this month. Better connectivity to the Philippines The Philippines, a long-time favourite for sun-soaked escapes, has also joined the club of visa-friendly destinations for Indians starting this June. Agoda has observed an upward trend in accommodation searches among Indian travellers for the Philippines, contributing to a YoY increase of 26%. The cities of Manila (+43%), Palawan (+30%), and Cebu (+25%) are among the top gainers. Heading to Sri Lanka Finally, Sri Lanka has also seen a 9% overall YoY increase following the country’s decision to grant visa-free access to Indian passport holders last October. Increased interest in destinations like Mirissa (+31%) and Nuwara Eliya (+16%) suggest Indian tourists are eager to explore beyond familiar favourites such as Colombo and Kandy.
Agoda: Long weekends are boosting travel in the Asia Pacific
Digital travel platform Agoda reports that Asia's diverse and regular stream of public holidays is proving to be a boost to the Asia Pacific (APAC) travel industry as Asian tourists look to maximize their leisure time. Per the platform’s latest report, Asian travelers looking to travel long weekends are largely opting to stay in the APAC region, highlighting an opportunity for hoteliers to capture rising demand for more frequent, short stays. Senior vice-president for supply Andrew Smith opined that the opportunity for hotels and airlines to secure bookings and incentivize travelers to extend their trips and add ancillary items to boost revenue over long weekends has never been greater. Smith said: "Hotels should ensure they are using the right data to target the hottest consumers from across the Asia Pacific region and ensure that their service offerings are tailored to their regional tastes. For example, catering for visitors with large families by ensuring they are able to access larger and joined rooms for family travel." Long weekends are for travelling Agoda saw an 80 percent month-on-month increase in accommodation searches from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore ahead of the Eid long weekend. Destinations of choice for the period were Japan, Thailand, China, South Korea and Taiwan. There was a similar trend during the Songkran long weekend in Thailand, with Hong Kong, Osaka, Shanghai and Seoul proving to be top choices. The recent long weekend in Vietnam, which covered Liberation Day and Labour Day, saw Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo and Seoul being the most searched destinations. How can hotels make the most out of long weekends? By proactively offering packages that cater to long weekend stays and micro-vacations, hotels can capitalize on these trends. Among the strategies proposed by Agoda are: Focus on Content Marketing: Publish blog posts or guides about "Top Things to Do in [Your City] Over the Long Weekend." Highlight local events, hidden gems, and places that are within easy reach. Use SEO best practices to ensure content ranks for relevant long weekend searches. Launch long Weekend and "maxi-break" packages: Partner with travel platforms like Agoda and loyalty platforms to promote extended stay offers such as "Stay 4 Nights, Pay for 3". This aligns with the growing trend of consumers turning public holidays into mini vacations. Push Ancillary items that help guests maximize shorter trips: Include value-adds like late check-out, complimentary breakfast, or tickets to local attractions. Design wellness and immersive local packages - With Asia's wellness tourism market projected to hit US$156.85 billion this year, hoteliers can attract high-value guests by offering digital detox retreats, spa-and-stay bundles, and locally sourced culinary experiences that can be enjoyed over a three day stay.
Stay22 unlocks more stays in Asia for partners through collaboration with Agoda
Stay22 expands its global reach by adding Agoda’s inventory via their new partnership with Vio to its solution. With 4.5 million accommodation options worldwide, Agoda has one of the world’s largest inventories and is particularly strong in Asia. With Agoda now available via Vio, Stay22 partners can earn more from Asia focused travel content with trusted inventory and no extra set up. How will this benefit Stay22 partners? Through Stay22, software solution publishers and content creators can now track and auto-monetize Agoda links, as the company’s inventory is now live for Stay22 partners through LinkSwap, via the Stay22 script, and the Allez Generator. That means any existing Agoda links are automatically monetised, with no extra setup required. As Stay22’s head of supply Misty Brewer explains it: "The integration of Agoda’s inventory is great news for our affiliate partners as it unlocks new revenue opportunities through expanded access to Asia-based accommodations now available in our tools. We also expect this integration to drive deeper collaboration with Asian content creators." What will this mean for bloggers and other media partners? Stay22 offers affiliate revenue generation opportunities for bloggers and media partners. Through artificial intelligence and machine learning technology, the travel tech company is positioning itself as the layer that connects content to commerce across any medium where travel intent exists, as it aims to be the bridge that turns that intent into revenue for content creators. It all starts with the Stay22 Script, a lightweight, drop-in integration that activates monetization across the partners’ sites in minutes. It powers tools like Nova , an AI solution that spots high-intent readers and delivers the right offer at the right time which increases bookings by up to 50 percent. That said, Stay22 remains committed to continuous innovation to better serve its partners. In 2025, it launched two new tools: the Stay22 Map Button and the Script Builder, and more tools are already in the pipeline, getting ready to help partners boost revenue and simplify monetization. The Canadian startup is purpose-built to support publishers at scale while ensuring reliable tracking, as well as payouts, and helping brands maintain performance without compromising efficiency.
Thailand remains the most searched Asian market by European travellers: Agoda
As Europe gears up for its summer holidays, digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Thailand remains the most searched Asian market by European travellers for the second consecutive year. Following closely are Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia, with Vietnam making its debut in the top five. Interestingly, India has also captured growing interest from European travellers, with the United Kingdom and the Netherlands ranking among the top source markets searching for accommodation in the country. Gaurav Malik, Country Director - India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, at Agoda shared: "Asia continues to be a top choice for European travellers seeking summer getaways, with perennial favorites like Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan continuing to attract visitors year after year. What’s even more exciting is that there's a rising interest for countries such as Malaysia, India, and China, reflecting an eagerness among European tourists to discover Asia’s rich cultures, scenic beauty, and hidden gems. As the Asia Expert, Agoda is proud to offer attractive deals to help travellers explore Europe’s favorite Asian destinations and more." The findings from Agoda’s ‘Europe to Asia Summer Travel Trends’ are based on accommodation searches for travel during July and August, the peak summer months for European travellers. Among the top destinations, Malaysia saw the largest rise in interest, with a 20% increase in searches compared to last year. China, benefiting from visa waivers that have been introduced for several European markets, recorded a 14% rise, while Sri Lanka experienced a 13% uptick. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands continue to lead as the European markets generating the most searches for travel to Asia. Meanwhile, Greece (+23%), Turkey (+21%), and Poland (+17%) emerged as trending origin markets, reflecting growing interest in Asian destinations from these regions. Additionally, according to the data, Mumbai, New Delhi NCR, and Goa emerged as the most searched Indian cities by European travelers planning their summer trips. The United Kingdom stands out as the top origin market searching for stays in India, followed by the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Italy – reaffirming the country’s appeal among European travellers. Top Searched Destinations in Asia Top Inbound Travelers to Asia Thailand United Kingdom Indonesia France Japan Germany Malaysia Spain Vietnam Netherlands
Over 2,000 Thai travel partners join Agoda’s birthday sales campaign
Digital travel platform Agoda marked two decades of bridging the world through travel and the sales campaign for its 20th anniversary brought in more than 2,300 travel partners in Thailand. Offering up to 70 percent off travel deals, the landmark campaign marked Agoda’s highest-ever level of partner engagement with close to 35,000 providers from across accommodations, airlines and activities globally seizing the opportunity to target their customers in a standout way. Agoda’s milestone celebration also received support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), underscoring their ongoing collaboration to boost Thailand’s tourism economy and champion sustainable tourism development. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Thailand’s position as a leading global travel destination through innovation and strategic partnership. According to Agoda’s senior vice-president of supply Andrew Smith: “Agoda’s story is deeply rooted in Thailand, and it’s where some of our longest-standing hotel partnerships began. As we look ahead, we’re committed to helping our partners succeed by combining world-class technology with deep local market understanding.” Honouring excellence with the Gold Circle Awards In conjunction with its 20th birthday, Agoda continued its annual tradition of recognizing outstanding hotel partners through its 16th Annual Gold Circle Awards. Thailand led the way with 521 awardees, the highest from any single market. Interestingly, around 26 percent of winners came from secondary cities such as Chiang Rai and Chanthaburi, highlighting the rising quality and growing competitiveness of properties beyond the traditional tourism hubs of Bangkok and Phuket. Likewise, the event brought together over 200 industry leaders to the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok to celebrate two decades of innovation, growth and collaboration in the hospitality sector. That said, it featured insights from Agoda’s leadership team and a market outlook for the hospitality industry. As Smith put it: “Agoda’s growth story is built around earning the trust of our partners over the past 20 years. This campaign is a testament to our commitment to delivering value for not just hoteliers, but also for our airline and activity providers as well as our strategic partners by connecting them with intent-driven customers from across the world. We believe in growing together, building trusted, long-term partnerships that drive success on all sides.”
Ayushmann Khurrana stars in Agoda’s AI Vacation Planner in India
Digital travel platform, Agoda, has unveiled a one-of-a-kind AI Vacation Planner for Indian travellers as part of its latest marketing stunt. The travel planner, which will be available for a limited time only on a special campaign website, is built with Google’s AI technology and experiments with a new way of visual travel planning. Bollywood star and Agoda brand ambassador, Ayushmann Khurrana, features in this AI-powered marketing stunt and takes on the new role of charismatic "Chief Wellness Officer," Vacaywala. The campaign is slated to run for a limited time only, with the AI Travel Planner being accessible via AgodaVacationPlanner.com until 30 June. In the videos generated by the AI Travel Planner, Ayushmann Khurrana provides stress-free and budget-friendly travel solutions. Taking on the new role of Mr. Vacaywala, the Bollywood star presents hyper-personalized itineraries and even addresses travelers by their first name. Ayushmann Khurrana shared, “Travel is all about discovery and inspiration. Agoda’s use of AI to create personalized recommendations and stunning visuals makes it easier for people to dream, plan, and book their next adventure. And the best part is that we take away the stress of putting together an itinerary, because we do it for you! It’s amazing to see AI bring such creativity to life and I’m proud to be part of this innovation.” Agoda’s AI Travel Planner was created in collaboration with Google. The combination of Google Gemini and Imagen, with Agoda’s global inventory, delivers customized destination and itinerary suggestions based on travelers’ personal needs and desires. This means Indian travelers can get a tailor made itinerary in a matter of seconds and receive additional discounts in the process, without having to go through the over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities that are available on Agoda’s platform. Gaurav Malik, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda, shared, "Imagine travel planning that's as exciting and smooth as the journey itself. That's what we've achieved by blending Google's advanced AI models with Ayushmann Khurrana's dynamic Mr. Vacaywala. On the campaign website AgodaVacationPlanner.com, we've redefined the travel planning experience to be both personal and inspiring, and we're absolutely thrilled to make this available to Indian travelers this month!" How it works: The AI Travel Planner leverages the advanced natural language understanding capabilities of Gemini to understand traveler preferences and intent, and draws upon Agoda’s extensive inventory of destinations, attractions, restaurants, accommodations, activities, transportation options and more to generate detailed itineraries and personalized recommendations. Imagen brings this all to life by turning the itinerary into a beautifully presented, interactive, and visually rich travel itinerary. Mr. Vacaywala summarizes and narrates the day-to-day itinerary with text-to-speech AI. Agoda travelers can get their dream itineraries within seconds and easily download and share them with travel companions. “At Google, we believe in empowering visionaries to transform industries. Our collaboration with Agoda is a perfect example, as we collectively embark on a journey to truly reimagine travel – moving beyond simple bookings to instantly personalized, vividly inspiring journeys for every traveler, powered by advanced AI,” said Pulkit Lambah, Industry Head for Travel, Google Asia Pacific. The campaign aims to reach multiple travel-type personas in a precise way using Google AI infused YouTube and Google Ad platforms, delivering a highly relevant and visually compelling experience. In addition to Google, Agoda partnered with creative agency, Kulfi Collective, and AI studio, TrueFan, to bring the campaign to life. The Agoda Vacation Planner is available for Indian travelers via AgodaVacationPlanner.com. Agoda will run campaigns on YouTube and Meta to promote the platform.
Agoda: long weekend holidays are driving APAC travel growth
Agoda's latest report details how a recent spate of long weekend holidays is fuelling travel within the Asia Pacific. Recent findings show a month on month surge of around 80 percent in searches for hotel bookings from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. These were in anticipation of long weekends caused by major holidays falling on a Friday or Monday. Where are Asians heading on those three-day weekends? Agoda said top destinations for long weekends include Japan, Thailand, China, South Korea, and Taiwan. The popularity of these regional destinations is proof of a growing appetite for short-haul escapes. At the same time, it presents a timely opportunity for hoteliers to capture demand and grow revenue through tailored offerings. Relevant recommendations To help hoteliers maximize this trend, Agoda recommends the following measures: Content marketing: Publish SEO-optimized guides like “Top Things to Do in Your City Over a Long Weekend.” Long weekend packages: Launch “Stay 4, Pay 3” offers or mini-break bundles via Agoda and loyalty partners. Upsell ancillary services: Add late check-out, breakfast, or attraction tickets to help guests get more from shorter stays. Tap into wellness tourism: Offer digital detox retreats, spa-and-stay packages, and immersive local experiences that align with Asia’s US$156.85 billion wellness tourism boom. As Agoda senior vice-president of supply Andrew Smith puts it: "The opportunity for hotels and airlines to secure bookings and incentivize travelers to extend their trips and add ancillary items to boost revenue over long weekends has never been greater." Smith added that hotels ought to ensure that they use the right data to target the hottest consumers from across the Asia Pacific region and ensure that their service offerings are tailored to their regional tastes. This would include catering for visitors with large families by ensuring they are able to access larger and joined rooms for family travel.
HEDNA Bangkok – September 11-12 2023
The agenda will bring a wide array of current topics in our industry to the main stage. You’ll hear from experts in Distribution, Fintech and Payments, Marketplaces, Leading Executives and of course our Hoteliers will be bringing their perspectives to these topics and so much more.