INTERNATIONAL VISITOR NUMBERS TO ASIA PACIFIC RECORD A MARGINAL IMPROVEMENT
Date:
29/10/2009
INTERNATIONAL VISITOR NUMBERS TO ASIA PACIFIC RECORD A MARGINAL IMPROVEMENT
Figures released this week by the head office of PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) in Bangkok show that the number of international visitors to the Asia Pacific region improved by a marginal 0.5 per cent in August 2009 compared to the same month last year.
And while figures recorded for the first eight months of 2009 show that international visitor arrivals are down (year-on-year) by some five per cent, the region continues to score heavily with British travelers when it comes to value, quality and a diverse tourism offering.
Ian Hawkes, executive director of the PATA UK Chapter, says: “Asia Pacific has long set a standard for international tourism with its reputation for quality, service and value for the tourist dollar.
“There is no doubt this year has been difficult but we are seeing regular hotel openings across the region as well as imaginative programmes and campaigns by tour operators, airlines and national tourist offices.
“This year also saw the Thai baht become the third most-bought currency by British holidaymakers, while Bali has shown firm signs of returning to its place as a favourite with long-haul travelers from the UK. Asia Pacific is alive and well and rising to the challenges and expectations of today’s travelers.”
Northeast Asia recorded a year-on-year increase of four percent in international visitor arrivals for August 2009 with growth in China PRC (+3 per cent), Hong Kong SAR (+6 per cent) and Macau SAR (+7 per cent) pushing the August 2009 figure back to positive territory (at least in relative terms).
Arrivals to Southeast Asia grew by three percent in August, mainly supported by strong traffic to countries such as Malaysia (+10 per cent) and Cambodia (+9 per cent). The smaller countries in the sub-region of South Asia experienced increased visitor arrivals: Maldives (+1 per cent), Nepal (+5 per cent) and Sri Lanka (+34 per cent).
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October 30, 2009
Issued on behalf of the PATA UK Chapter by David Leck Associates. Press enquiries to David Leck on 01322 5285820/07710 326256.
