Bishkek Outpaces Marseille, Iloilo and Other Rising Destinations as Australian Holiday Searches Reveal Travel Trends for 2027

Australian travellers are showing rapidly growing interest in Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, Marseille in France, Iloilo in the Philippines, Lord Howe Island in Australia and Da Nang in Vietnam as they plan more rewarding holidays for 2027. Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2027 report, released in October 2026, identifies these five destinations as the strongest performers in its Australian flight-search rankings, led by a remarkable 877% increase for Bishkek. The findings reveal a change in travel priorities, with nature, cultural heritage, local food and value for money becoming increasingly important as households manage higher living costs and seek alternatives to established tourism hotspots.

The growing interest covers destinations across Central Asia, Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia. Bishkek leads the ranking with an 877% rise in return flight searches, followed by Marseille at 98%, Iloilo at 96%, Lord Howe Island at 95% and Da Nang at 81%. The findings come from Skyscanner’s proprietary search data and a survey of 2,000 Australian travellers conducted by OnePoll between 1 and 9 June 2026. The destination rankings compare return flight searches made between 1 January and 17 June 2026 with the same period in 2025. They measure searches for travel during 2026, which Skyscanner has used to identify emerging destination interest ahead of 2027. The report therefore provides an indication of growing travel interest rather than confirmed bookings or a forecast of actual 2027 visitor arrivals.

Top Five Trending Travel Destinations for 2027 Reveal a Major Shift in Australian Holiday Searches

Australian return flight search growth Year-on-year change in searches made between 1 January and 17 June 2026 compared with the equivalent 2025 period. Source: Skyscanner.

The five destinations demonstrate how different tourism products are gaining visibility within the Australian market. Bishkek represents growing interest in adventure tourism and Central Asian landscapes. Marseille offers a cultural and coastal alternative within France. Iloilo combines food heritage with regional Philippine experiences. Lord Howe Island appeals to travellers seeking controlled, nature-led tourism, while Da Nang combines established holiday infrastructure with access to major heritage attractions.

The broader findings also suggest that travellers are choosing places according to the activities and experiences available rather than relying only on a destination’s international reputation.

Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan Emerges as the Biggest Travel Search Success With an Extraordinary 877% Surge

Bishkek has emerged as the standout destination in Skyscanner‘s Australian rankings, with return flight searches increasing by 877% compared with the previous year. The Kyrgyz capital is attracting attention as a starting point for mountain adventures, horse trekking, scenic journeys and cultural exploration across Central Asia.

The city’s location near the Tian Shan mountain range gives travellers access to landscapes that differ sharply from conventional urban holidays. Ala-Archa National Park, situated outside Bishkek, offers mountain trails, rocky valleys and impressive alpine scenery. The surrounding region also supports guided outdoor experiences, including trekking and horse riding. Issyk-Kul Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s best-known natural attractions, adds another dimension to longer itineraries. The area combines lakeside landscapes, mountain settlements and opportunities to explore regional traditions.

Kyrgyzstan’s tourism appeal is closely linked to its natural environment and cultural identity. Horse riding remains an important part of traditional life, while rural accommodation and locally guided activities provide opportunities for visitors to experience the country’s heritage. For travel businesses, Bishkek’s rising search visibility creates opportunities for specialist adventure operators, regional tour companies and accommodation providers.

The destination also reflects growing interest in holidays outside the most established international tourism circuits. However, the 877% search increase does not mean that Bishkek already receives more Australian tourists than other major destinations. Percentage growth can be particularly large when searches increase from a relatively small starting point. Its position at the top of the 2027 ranking nevertheless shows that a destination previously unfamiliar to many holidaymakers can gain substantial attention through its distinctive tourism experiences.

Marseille in France Gains 98% as Travellers Discover Mediterranean Life Beyond Paris and Nice

Marseille is gaining ground as an alternative French holiday destination, with Australian return flight searches increasing by 98%. Located on France’s Mediterranean coast, the city combines historic streets, coastal scenery, museums and regional food traditions. Its appeal offers a contrast to holidays focused mainly on Paris or the French Riviera’s most established resorts. The Vieux-Port, or Old Port, remains one of Marseille’s most recognisable attractions. Restaurants, fishing traditions and historic buildings create a lively waterfront environment. The city’s cultural attractions include the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, known as Mucem, which explores the heritage and societies of the Mediterranean region.

Nature tourism adds an important dimension to the visitor experience. Calanques National Park provides limestone cliffs, coastal walking routes and remarkable marine scenery close to the urban area. Marseille’s food culture is another important part of its tourism identity. Seafood, traditional markets and Provençal influences offer experiences rooted in the region’s maritime history. For Australian travellers, the city provides opportunities to combine cultural sightseeing, coastal recreation and regional cuisine within one itinerary. For the tourism industry, Marseille’s rise demonstrates how established destinations can attract fresh interest by promoting different aspects of their visitor experience.

Iloilo in the Philippines Rises 96% as Food Heritage and Historic Attractions Gain Global Attention

Iloilo in the Philippines has registered a 96% increase in Australian flight searches, positioning the destination among the strongest emerging choices for 2027. The city offers a different experience from the Philippines’ most recognised beach destinations. Its appeal is closely connected to historic architecture, local food, cultural traditions and a more relaxed urban environment. Iloilo’s international cultural profile strengthened when UNESCO recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2023.

According to UNESCO, the city has more than 300 restaurants and approximately 4,600 people working in its gastronomy sector. Its food traditions play an important role in cultural identity and local economic activity. La Paz batchoy, a traditional noodle dish, remains closely associated with the destination. Local restaurants, markets and traditional food businesses contribute to the city’s culinary appeal. Its historic churches, heritage buildings and public spaces also support cultural sightseeing.

Beyond the urban centre, Iloilo province provides access to coastal communities and island excursions, including the Concepcion group of islands. The destination’s increasing visibility has wider significance for Philippine tourism. Rather than focusing entirely on famous island resorts, travellers are showing interest in destinations where heritage, gastronomy and local communities form a substantial part of the holiday.

Lord Howe Island in Australia Records 95% Growth as Nature-Led Domestic Holidays Attract Attention

Lord Howe Island has recorded a 95% rise in Australian flight searches, highlighting growing interest in domestic holidays centred on nature, conservation and outdoor experiences. Located in the Tasman Sea off New South Wales, the island offers a distinctive combination of mountains, beaches, coral reefs and protected wildlife habitats. The Lord Howe Island Group has held UNESCO World Heritage status since 1982. UNESCO recognises its exceptional volcanic landscapes, distinctive ecosystems, endemic species and unusually southerly coral reef environment.

Mount Gower offers a challenging guided hiking experience, while lagoon areas support snorkelling and other water-based recreation. Birdwatching is another attraction, reflecting the island’s importance as a habitat for seabirds and native wildlife. Unlike destinations that can continuously expand accommodation capacity, Lord Howe Island operates under a strict limit of 400 visitors at any one time. The official destination tourism website confirms this restriction, which helps maintain the island’s environmental character. The visitor limit has practical consequences for travel planning. Accommodation and flights need to be coordinated because the island cannot accommodate unlimited demand.

Da Nang in Vietnam Climbs 81% as Beach Tourism and World Heritage Experiences Drive Demand

Da Nang has emerged as another major destination attracting Australian attention, with Skyscanner reporting an 81% year-on-year increase in return flight searches. The coastal city in central Vietnam combines beaches, mountain scenery, resorts, local cuisine and access to internationally recognised cultural attractions. My Khe Beach remains a major draw for leisure visitors, while the Son Tra Peninsula provides opportunities to explore coastal landscapes and natural surroundings.

Ba Na Hills, including its internationally recognisable Golden Bridge, adds another attraction to the wider destination. Da Nang also benefits from its location near three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary and the Complex of Hue Monuments. UNESCO recognises these sites for their cultural and historical significance, making them important attractions for travellers exploring central Vietnam. The city is particularly relevant to value-conscious travellers because it offers a combination of beach holidays, local dining and cultural sightseeing across different accommodation categories.

The supplied 2026 tourism figures indicate more than 14.25 million visitors during the first eight months of the year, including approximately 6.88 million international visitors, representing growth of around 25% year on year. These figures require confirmation against the relevant official statistical release before being treated as independently verified totals. Da Nang’s position in the rankings also highlights the importance of destinations that can support several holiday experiences within one region. Its attractions appeal to beach-focused travellers, culture enthusiasts, food tourists and visitors interested in exploring neighbouring historic locations.

Australian Travellers Continue Planning Holidays Despite Growing Cost-of-Living Pressure

The 2027 destination rankings are accompanied by another important finding: Australians remain determined to travel even as living costs place pressure on household spending. According to the reported Skyscanner findings, 78% of Australian travellers intend to travel as much as or more than before, while 64% say the cost of living is affecting their travel plans.

These figures suggest that travellers are adapting their budgets rather than abandoning holidays. The research also indicates that 31% of respondents are prepared to increase spending on flights and 26% on hotels. At the same time, interest in spending more on optional upgrades appears weaker. The distinction matters for airlines, accommodation providers and travel intermediaries. Customers may still invest in transport and a comfortable place to stay while limiting expenditure on additional baggage, airport lounge access and room upgrades.

Skyscanner’s separate best-value rankings provide another indication of this change.

Source: Skyscanner official Best Value Destinations 2027. The price changes are historical comparisons, not guaranteed fares for 2027.

These destinations offer different tourism experiences, from food and cultural heritage in Mexico City to regional exploration in Hamilton and island holidays in Okinawa. Exchange rates are also influencing decisions. Skyscanner’s research found that 42% of Australian respondents frequently compare the strength of a destination’s currency against the Australian dollar before booking, while 31% have changed their destination because of more favourable exchange rates. The findings illustrate an increasingly practical approach to international holiday planning, with travellers assessing what their total budget can deliver once they arrive.

Digital Detox Tourism Gains Ground as Younger Travellers Seek Outdoor Experiences

Another significant trend for 2027 is the growing appeal of holidays that provide an escape from constant digital activity. Skyscanner identifies this behaviour as Signal Severance, reflecting interest in spending less time using digital devices and more time engaging with nature, culture and companions. According to the company’s research, 25% of Gen Z travellers intend to disconnect from digital life as much as possible while on holiday. The findings also show that 57% of travellers believe going off-grid would help them feel more present, while 65% associate disconnection with feeling closer to nature.

However, digital disconnection is not without challenges. The research indicates that 35% of Gen Z respondents experience anxiety when unable to check their phones for news and updates. This creates demand for holidays that offer outdoor immersion while retaining essential connectivity when required. Lord Howe Island and Bishkek are particularly relevant to the trend because of their natural landscapes and opportunities for walking, hiking and other outdoor pursuits.

Cultural Exploration and Fitness Become Important Parts of Holiday Planning

Interest in historic attractions, museums and physical wellbeing is also shaping traveller decisions. Skyscanner’s Australian survey found that 40% of respondents plan to visit historic attractions during their next holiday, while 35% expect to explore a museum or gallery. The figures reinforce the commercial importance of cultural attractions and heritage experiences alongside traditional leisure tourism.

Marseille and Iloilo are positioned to benefit from this interest because both offer distinctive local culture, historic surroundings and regional food traditions. Da Nang also combines coastal holidays with access to UNESCO-listed cultural sites, supporting journeys involving both relaxation and heritage exploration. Fitness-related travel represents another area of interest. Rather than abandoning exercise routines during holidays, some travellers are seeking destinations and accommodation that allow them to remain active. The trend is particularly relevant to destinations where physical activity forms a natural part of the visitor experience, including Kyrgyzstan’s mountains and Lord Howe Island’s protected landscapes.

Group Celebrations and Regional Music Strengthen Experience-Led Tourism

Shared celebrations are another feature of the changing travel market. Skyscanner’s research found that 39% of respondents would consider a joint pre-wedding celebration involving partners, friends and family. Among those considering shared celebrations, 49% identified lower costs as an advantage, while another 49% highlighted the potential for greater enjoyment. Convenience and easier organisation were also important considerations.

The findings demonstrate the growing relevance of group accommodation, flexible booking arrangements and activities suitable for travellers with different interests. Skyscanner’s Sound Bound trend identifies interest in travel inspired by music associated with particular places and cultural traditions.

What the Latest 2027 Travel Trends Mean for Global Tourism Businesses

The emerging rankings provide several important signals for tourism businesses preparing for 2027. Demand is becoming more varied, with travellers considering less familiar destinations alongside established holiday centres. Cultural identity, natural attractions and regional experiences are increasingly relevant to destination promotion. Environmental management also remains important. Lord Howe Island demonstrates how strict visitor limits can form part of a destination’s long-term conservation strategy.

The strongest search-growth destinations do not necessarily represent the world’s largest tourism markets. Instead, they illustrate where interest is accelerating among Australian travellers. Bishkek’s exceptional growth highlights adventure tourism, Marseille’s rise reflects cultural and coastal appeal, Iloilo demonstrates the importance of gastronomy, Lord Howe Island represents protected nature tourism, and Da Nang combines beach holidays with regional heritage experiences.

Together, these destinations point towards a broader change in travel planning for 2027. Holidaymakers are looking beyond familiar destinations and expensive extras, placing greater emphasis on the experiences, cultural connections and natural surroundings that make a journey memorable.

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