Tourism recovery continues in Asia Pacific

The tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region continued its recovery from the global economic downturn in November 2009, according to a new report.

Preliminary figures released by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) show that the number of people visiting countries in the area increased by three per cent year-on-year during the month.

South-east Asia was among the strongest contributors to the growth, with Vietnam reporting a 37 per cent rise in arrivals and Thailand (26 per cent), Malaysia (11 per cent) and Singapore (eight per cent) also attracting more tourists.

Countries in south Asia such as Sri Lanka and the Maldives also posted positive figures, along with Australia and New Zealand in the Pacific region.

Kris Lim, director of PATA's Strategic Intelligence Centre, said: "The year-to-date rate of decline in international visitor arrivals to the region has now eased to a loss of just three per cent over the January-to-November period.

"Based on the latest available results for December 2009, the recovery momentum in arrivals remains strong for many destinations in the region. This is very encouraging and we may look with greater confidence to the year ahead."

Posted by Penny, 03 February 2010 12:52

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