Japan overtakes Italy as top luxury travel destination in 2027 report

Japan has surpassed Italy as the leading luxury travel destination for 2027, according to Virtuoso's annual Luxe Report, as reported by gjsentinel.com.

This marks the first time in over 20 years that Italy has not held the top spot in the report, which is based on insights from more than 3,100 travel advisors across over 50 countries.

Tokyo and Kyoto are ranked as the top two global cities in the 2027 rankings, with Japan also placing highly for family travel, solo trips, and honeymoons.

A Virtuoso travel advisor noted that avid travelers who have frequently visited Europe are now seeking unique and meaningful experiences in Japan, which they find comparable in cost and appeal to European trips.

The shift is partly attributed to concerns about overtourism in popular European destinations and a preference for slower-paced travel itineraries.

Despite Japan's rise, Italy remains the top choice among American and Canadian Virtuoso advisors, indicating sustained interest from North American travelers.