UK and Ireland to see ‘rise in travel demand’ in 2025, says Virtuoso

The UK and Ireland is expected to see a rise in travel demand next year, according to luxury travel agency network Virtuoso.

The brand’s 2025 Luxe Report: UK and Ireland revealed that 57% of the 2,200 agents surveyed predict a modest uptick in spending per trip, while 25% expect a significant increase in travel demand.

The report also reflects travellers’ changing attitudes towards climate change. In an 18% increase from last year, 64% of agents reported that clients from the UK and Ireland are altering their travel plans due to climate change, and 14% are keen to minimise their carbon footprint.

Climate change has also had an effect on where people are choosing to travel, with 79% of agents saying their clients now favour destinations with more moderate weather. As a result of this “coolcation” trend, Antarctica has made Virtuoso’s ‘Destinations on the Rise’ list after not appearing on it last year.

Other destinations predicted to be popular next year among travellers from the UK and Ireland include Thailand (pictured), which was ranked as the top destination on the rise. This “reflects a growing demand for cultural immersion and authenticity”, which Virtuoso has ranked in its top five travel trends for 2025.

Greece was named number one in the lists of top global destinations and top family travel destinations, edging out Italy for the first time.

Other findings from the report include the rising popularity of solo cruising, the influence of TikTok in giving travel recommendations and UK travellers’ preference for exclusive-use accommodation, which has been ranked as the top travel trend for next year.