Although is Asia is pegged to be the upcoming tourism destination, wealthier travellers are still opting for European vacation, according to new research.

A Visa Global Travel Intentions Survey found that over the next two years up to 29 percent affluent travellers will flock to the UK for a holiday while 20 percent said they are planning a trip to France and Italy.

Of the 1,200 richer travellers surveyed, 26 percent said the US was on their list of top global destinations, the only non-European country to make the list.

As well as choosing the classier destinations, affluent travellers are also expected to spend twice as much as the global traveller this year and next year as well as fly almost twice as much.

“It is interesting to note that the state of the global economy is yet to have a significant impact on the spending habits of affluent travellers,” Visa Asia Pacific, Central Europe, Middle East and Africa head of premium products James Lim explained.

“We have typically noticed a decrease in budgets during such periods and even a cut-back on travel plans.

“As such, the survey results indicate that travel has become more of a necessity – be it for business or vacation – rather than a luxury for the affluent traveller.”