Visa released details of a new study, conducted with Oxford Economics, that forecasts a 35 percent rise in international travel over the next decade. By analyzing billions of Visa transactions to identify spending patterns across major purchases and regions, the report predicts that more than 280 million households worldwide will take at least one international trip per year by 2025.
Visa attributes this projected growth to two main trends. First, a large expansion of the global middle class is putting more disposable income into the hands of consumers, allowing them to prioritize travel. As incomes rise, travel increasingly shifts from being a rare luxury to a regular part of life for many—a new “traveling class” of consumers for whom travel is a routine experience rather than an occasional splurge.
Second, international travel is becoming more affordable and accessible. Advances in technology make it easier to plan and personalize trips and enable more spontaneous travel. Visa’s analysis notes infrastructure growth will support this trend: the study estimates more than 340 new airports could be built in the next decade, improving connectivity and making international travel more convenient for a broader population.
Digital connectivity also plays a growing role by widening awareness of destinations, alternative transport options and nontraditional accommodations. Online platforms and mobile tools simplify discovery and booking, helping travelers find choices that fit their budgets and preferences. These shifts are opening opportunities for new travel patterns and more frequent cross-border trips.
The study highlights China as a key driver of global travel growth. Visa expects Chinese travel spending to increase by about 85 percent by 2025, reflecting the country’s expanding middle class, rising incomes and strong appetite for international experiences.