The recovery in the third largest sector of travel in the Asia-Pacific region – tours, events and attractions – is well underway, with consumers prioritizing experiences in travel planning and spending.
BANGKOK, Thailand – The travel experience in the Asia Pacific region has returned to rapid growth as the region reopens regional and long-distance travel, new research from Arival finds. reach activation Events in Bangkok. According to its 2019-2025 Experience Outlook study, tours, activities and attractions — the third largest and fastest-growing sector in travel — will reach $67 billion by 2024 and exceed its pre-pandemic peak by 2025 to $75 billion.
“The Asia-Pacific region has suffered the worst of the pandemic, with widespread regional closures of cross-border travel far beyond the rest of the world,” Arival CEO says Douglas Quimby. “But travel demand in the region is accelerating as many borders reopen, encouraging tourists to return. As we’ve seen with other regions reopening, travelers are putting experiences at the top of their travel plans and spending. Now The biggest challenge will be to prepare the global industry for the rapidly influx of demand from the Asia-Pacific region.”
According to research by Arival, online bookings will account for more than 30% of all tour, activity and attraction bookings globally by 2025, up from 17% in 2019. However, online bookings in the Asia-Pacific region will more than triple over the same period, as younger travelers drive a tourism rebound. Online marketplaces and mobile-ready operators in the region will most likely benefit from this.
“A large number of experience-hungry Gen Z and Millennial travelers in Asia are putting experience first and are willing to pay for it,” Arival’s Quimby said. “But operators have to be ready. That means more small-group, immersive experiences that set travelers apart. And it has to be all discoverable and bookable on mobile, with plenty of value for money.” Moments to watch on Instagram and TikTok.”
The Arival Activate event will be held in Bangkok from June 12-14 and is expected to bring together hundreds of tourism, events and experiences professionals from across the region.
Theodore is Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews’ long-term opportunities.
