Asia Pacific to grow tourists by 2.7% each year

Asia Pacific can count on three years of steady growth, with a regional association forecasting that regionally an average of 2.7% growth in international travellers can be expected.

These forecasts are much lower than the pre-GFC forecasts of 7% growth each year, but intra-regionally some areas like Southeast Asia and South Asia are expected to perform better.

"These latest authoritative forecasts from PATA reflect the reality of the current market conditions. They point to a gradual and uneven recovery as the region picks itself up from the three percent decline in arrivals in 2009," said Phornsiri Manoharn, PATA Chairman.

"We have witnessed significant changes in travel trends during the global economic recession. These changes have brought benefits to some and caused difficulties for others and it is clear that the next three years will prove to be both challenging and increasingly competitive for all our members."

Intra-regionally, Southeast Asia is expected to grow arrivals by 4.8% while South Asia is expected to grow its international arrivals by 4.9% per year up until 2012.

Meanwhile other regions will perform lower than the Asia Pacific average, with North America expected to increase international arrivals by 1.7% per year up until 2012.

Northeast Asia can look towards a rate of 2.2% growth each year, while the Pacific can look towards a rate of 4.0% growth.

Sourced = The e Travel Blackboard