In 2019, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) was capable of attract 133.1 million tourists who desired to visit the amazing island and experience mountain attractions characterised by warm weather, unique cuisine and colourful cultures, Mindanao times reported.
The variety of foreign visitors to the ASEAN region is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.72%, from 129.2 million in 2018 to 155.4 million in 2022, it says global data, a number one data and analytics company.
The latest GlobalData report entitledTourist destination market information: ASEAN‘, shows that each country within the region has huge growth potential over the subsequent three years as intra-ASEAN travel increases and travelers from far-flung destinations seek more adventurous holidays.
The increase in tourist numbers is attributed to the event of low-cost carriers and the Open Skies Agreement amongst ASEAN member countries. As key players resembling AirAsia expand their offerings, simpler visa processes and an analogous culture have made intra-ASEAN travel more accessible.
According to only published Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2019-2023 Full Report, Vietnam is projected to guide destinations within the Asia-Pacific region by way of average annual growth rate over the subsequent five years. Vietnam shall be followed by the Lao PDR, which has a mean annual growth rate well above the regional average of 5.5% during 2018-2023.
While an influx of travelers will be hugely useful for countries within the region, overtourism is a major problem that governments and travel agencies have to be mindful of.
The indefinite closure of Maya Bay is a notable example of the issues facing Thailand particularly.
However, travel in 2020 may pose challenges as fear of the novel coronavirus epidemic causes many group tours and engagement cancellations, travel restrictions and travel advisories, especially as ASEAN has reached an all-time high in tourist arrivals with the assistance of the Chinese market.
In 2019, roughly 60,000,000 Chinese travelers visited the region. Nevertheless, if the region sticks to its 2020 plan, it could help soften the blow. The plan included ASEAN’s continued efforts to boost awareness of ASEAN tourism and its brand through digital channels and partnerships; implementation of selling campaigns with the participation of influencers from long-distance markets and introduction of latest promotional materials promoting Southeast Asia.
Here is the newest update on tourist arrivals to ASEAN countries in 2019:
1. Thailand – 39,797,406 39.80 million
2. Malaysia – 20.1 million
3. Vietnam – 18 million
4. Singapore – 15.9 million
5. Indonesia – 13.62 million
6. Philippines – 8 million
7. Cambodia – 6.7 million
8. Burma – 4.3 million
9. Lao PDR – 3.4 million
10. Brunei Darussalam – 213 thousand
