The Great Shift East: Why Australians Are Flocking to Mongolia and Central Asia in 2025
In early to mid-2025, the Australian outbound tourism market is showing a sharp increase in interest in non-trivial destinations in Eurasia—Mongolia and Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan). According to industry media and tour operators, bookings in the region are increasing significantly compared to the pre-pandemic period; at the same time, the largest players are expanding their product range and presence on the ground. Based on content analysis of recent publications and official statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Smartraveller system, the article explains the factors driving demand (the search for authenticity, “fatigue” from oversaturated resorts, the opening of new routes and offices, price rationality), assesses the risks (variations in security levels within the region), and offers practical implications for DMOs in Central Asia and Australian players. It shows that the high growth rates in bookings are supported by institutional changes on the part of tour operators (new offices, new tours) and a broad macro trend agenda in travel for 2025.
According to News.com.au, Australian travelers are increasingly choosing Mongolia and Central Asian countries, moving away from destinations oversaturated with mass tourism. The article cites multiple growth rates in bookings based on data from major adventure operators for 2019. The key motive is a combination of unspoiled landscapes, rich historical and cultural content (the Silk Road), and a “sense of discovery” compared to “iconic” but overcrowded cities and resorts. The thesis of a “shift towards the less obvious” is also confirmed by global analytics from the Mastercard Economics Institute: in 2025, the Asia-Pacific region will dominate among the “trendy” destinations for the summer season for the second year in a row, and tourist behavior will be influenced not only by exchange rates and geopolitics, but also by values such as meaning, purpose, and experience. This is in line with the motives for “long-distance” trips to Central Asia/Mongolia.
On July 29, 2025, Intrepid Travel announced six new routes in North and Central Asia (available for booking with departures starting in March 2026), bringing the region’s product line to 48 tours — a strong signal of its long-term commitment to the region. On August 15, 2025, the trade press reported on Intrepid’s plans to open a country office in Uzbekistan in 2025 — a move that will improve DMC control, supply chain sustainability, and content localization. At the same time, double-digit and even higher growth rates in bookings for the region are noted. Certain destinations are showing outstanding dynamics: industry publications cite estimates of multiple growth in bookings for Kazakhstan and significant increases for Mongolia and Uzbekistan in 2025 (year-on-year), which corresponds with the intensification of operators’ product policies for these countries.
Uzbekistan, Buxoro
Overall increase in departures from Australia ABS releases for August 14, 2025, and June 2025 show a continuing recovery/growth in outbound tourism flows, although the statistics do not always provide a detailed breakdown by small destinations. Nevertheless, the aggregate dynamics set a “window of opportunity” for rapid growth in niche markets, which include Central Asia/Mongolia. In terms of risk perception, Smartraveller’s profile varies: Kazakhstan — “normal precautions” (risk level downgraded in October 2024), while for Kyrgyzstan, the recommendation to “exercise increased caution” remains in place in February 2025, with local areas “reconsider the necessity of travel.” The ease of obtaining visas for Australian citizens (visa-free travel to Kazakhstan, visa requirements for Mongolia) also influences demand behavior and the choice of operators when planning routes. However, this does not negate all the positive trends and progress that are visible at the moment.
In conclusion, The demand among Australians for Mongolia and Central Asia in 2025 is not a “temporary hype” but a manifestation of a deeper trend: “meaningful” and less dense travel, supported by institutional actions of operators and the general normalization of outbound tourism. Further dynamics will depend on maintaining visa/logistical accessibility, precise work on security, and the ability of destinations to manage growth without losing authenticity. For countries in the region, the window of opportunity is now; for Australian companies, it is time to gain a foothold through product differentiation and partnerships.
List of sources
1. News.com.au. “Massive surge in Aussies heading to this remote part of the world.” August 2025.
2. Intrepid Travel (press release). “New trips in Northern and Central Asia,” July 29, 2025.
3. TTG Asia. “Intrepid Travel strengthens Central Asia presence with Uzbekistan office,” August 15, 2025.
4. Selling Travel. “New Intrepid trips spurred by 400% rise in bookings,” August 1, 2025.
5. ABS. Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia — June 2025 release; review for fiscal year 2024/25 (August 14, 2025).
6. Smartraveller (DFAT). Kazakhstan — “exercise normal safety precautions” (updated October 18, 2024); Kyrgyz Republic — “exercise a high degree of caution” (February 18, 2025).
7. Mastercard Economics Institute. “Travel trends 2025: Asia-Pacific leads trending summer destinations,” May 15, 2025.
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