PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid remarked,“As global travel continues its strong recovery, the Asia Pacific region remains a key driver of growth. This latest forecast highlights the dynamic shifts in visitor flows, policy interventions, and infrastructure improvements that will shape the region’s tourism landscape over the next three years. By understanding these evolving trends, destinations can better position themselves for sustainable growth and resilience.”
Key Insights from the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027
Strong Growth Outlook: Under the medium scenario, international visitor arrivals (IVAs) to the Asia Pacific region are expected to reach 813.7 million by 2027, marking a significant increase from the projected 648.1 million in 2024, signaling a robust growth trajectory.
Recovery Powered by Policy and Connectivity: The recovery is being fueled by simplified visa processes, expanded flight routes, and enhanced infrastructure. Strategic policy changes, such as China’s visa-free transit expansion and Thailand’s “Six Countries, One Destination” initiative, highlight the role of targeted policies in boosting visitor numbers.
Destination Performance: China is predicted to regain its position as the region’s top inbound destination by 2027, with the USA, Türkiye, and Hong Kong SAR also performing strongly. Meanwhile, countries like Mongolia, Türkiye, Sri Lanka, and Japan are expected to lead in recovery, surpassing pre-pandemic visitor levels.
Leading Source Markets: China will remain the largest source market for the Asia Pacific, followed by the USA, Hong Kong SAR, Korea (ROK), and India. The growing middle class in India and Southeast Asia, coupled with the rise of digital payments and social media-driven travel trends, are major contributors to increased outbound travel.
Macro Trends Shaping the Visitor Economy: The tourism sector in Asia Pacific will continue to evolve due to economic changes, geopolitical factors, and technological innovations. Key developments such as digital transformation, sustainable tourism efforts, and improvements in transportation infrastructure are set to reshape the region’s travel experiences.
“As we move forward, the industry must remain agile and adaptive to shifting market dynamics,” Noor added. “The insights from the PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027 will be invaluable for policymakers, businesses, and destination marketers aiming to capitalise on emerging opportunities.”
Tags: PATA Noor Ahmad Hamid
