Growth continues in Asia Pacific tourism industry

The Asia Pacific region continued to see positive growth in tourism in October 2009, a new report shows.

Figures released by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) indicate that the number of international visitors to the region increased by 2.2 per cent during the month compared to the same period in 2008.

Malaysia was one of the strongest contributors to the growth, with a 14 per cent increase in tourism, while Indonesia and Thailand also posted better results.

In south Asia, the Maldives and Nepal welcomed more visitors in October 2009, while Australia and New Zealand continued to prove popular in the Pacific region.

Kris Lim, director of PATA's Strategic Intelligence Centre, said: "October marks the third straight month of above-the-line gains for international visitor arrivals to the Asia Pacific region.

"The growth rate of 2.2 per cent achieved in October is by far the best year-on-year improvement in a very depressed year."

Mr Lim also revealed that strong visitor numbers are expected for the final two months of 2009.

Posted by Penny, 06 January 2010 12:43

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