Apollo: Exotic travel surges – Thailand tops the list

Swedes are travelling increasingly further afield from Europe during the winter. This is shown by sales figures from Apollo, which has noted a sharp increase in long-haul travel bookings ahead of winter.

Thailand is by far the biggest favourite, with sales of trips there up 142 per cent compared with the corresponding period in 2025. The Maldives and Mauritius are also performing strongly, with increases of 81 and 73 per cent respectively.

- We have seen interest in sunny destinations outside Europe grow over time, but the increase we are seeing now is something quite extraordinary. Swedes are adventurous, and at the moment many appear to want to treat themselves to a trip that gives them something truly wonderful to look forward to during the winter, says Martina Krantz, press officer at Apollo.

Thailand remains number one

Thailand tops Apollo's list of the best-selling exotic destinations. During the year, the tour operator has also expanded its Thailand offering with new multi-centre holidays and a new sports hotel.

Mauritius and Vietnam follow on the list. They are followed by the Maldives and Goa.

Vietnam and Goa have also grown in popularity and are highlighted by Apollo as destinations where prices are relatively favourable.

Where sales are increasing the most

Apollo's five destinations with the largest increase in sales compared with the same period in 2025:

1. Thailand: +142 per cent

2. Maldives: +81 per cent

3. Mauritius: +73 per cent

4. Vietnam: +65 per cent

5. Goa: +49 per cent

Overall, sales of exotic holidays at Apollo have more than doubled in recent weeks compared with the same period last year.

- There is something special about these destinations, and they are high on many people's wish lists precisely because they represent something out of the ordinary. It is simply about making the dream of a truly great holiday experience come true, says Martina Krantz.