Wealthy travellers remain the main force behind the world’s tourism spending, according to the Visa Global Travel Insight report released in July 2025. Households earning more than $200,000 a year, representing less than 5% of global homes, contributed nearly a quarter of total travel expenditure in 2024.
The study, based on anonymised VisaNet data, maps where these high-income tourists go and how their spending differs from the average traveller. Even during economic downturns, they continue to spend steadily. With generous budgets, they opt for luxury hotels, gourmet dining, designer shopping, and private experiences. Many also prefer serene, off-the-beaten-path locations over crowded tourist hotspots.
VisaNet data reveals that in 2024, affluent cardholders spent triple the amount on overseas credit transactions compared to less wealthy travellers. Regional patterns emerged, such as in Hong Kong, where luxury retail made up over half of affluent travellers’ overseas purchases.
Top Destinations for Affluent Travellers
London remains a favourite, offering world-class museums, luxury hotels, and exclusive shopping. The British capital attracts high-net-worth visitors seeking premium, tailored experiences.
Emerging destinations are also drawing attention. Hokkaido in Japan offers scenic landscapes, luxury ski resorts, and gourmet cuisine. Mersa Matruh in Egypt has pristine beaches, private cabanas, and five-star hotels. Mendoza in Argentina combines vineyard tours, private tastings, and mountain adventures, offering a perfect balance of luxury and activity.
Asia Pacific’s Rising Influence
The Asia Pacific region is becoming a powerhouse for luxury travel. Affluent households in Asia are projected to grow by 8% annually until 2030. This growth adds millions of high-income tourists from China, India, and Japan who are eager to explore destinations abroad. As a result, many countries are tailoring high-end experiences to meet this demand.
Spending Trends and Loyalty Programs
Luxury tourists spend differently from mass-market travellers. In Australia, those paying over $500 a night on hotels dedicate about one-third of their budgets to fine dining, premium drinks, and high-end shopping. Their focus is on unique, high-quality experiences they cannot get at home.
Loyalty programs strongly influence their choices. Around two-thirds of wealthy American travellers say airline or hotel points determine their booking decisions. Exclusive perks and points build lasting loyalty in this lucrative market segment.
Affluent vs. Mass-Market Spending
Affluent travellers plan to increase their international travel spending by 38% more than average tourists in the coming year. For them, luxury hotels, private tours, and custom experiences are not extras—they are essentials. Meeting these expectations can turn a trip into an unforgettable experience, making high-value travellers a key target for tourism brands.
The Visa Global Travel Insight report confirms that wealthy travellers are the heartbeat of global tourism. Their preferences influence how cities and regions develop their tourism offerings. Destinations that invest in luxury services, exclusive experiences, and premium shopping will capture a larger share of this expanding market. With Asia Pacific’s affluent population growing rapidly, the demand for bespoke travel will continue to reshape the global tourism landscape and strengthen local economies.
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