(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), working with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre, has released the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027, analyzing tourism recovery for 39 regional destinations. The medium scenario projects international visitor arrivals (IVAs) rising to 813.7 million by 2027 from 648.1 million in 2024, driven by policies like China’s visa-free transit and Thailand’s multi-country initiative. China is expected to lead inbound markets, followed by the USA, Türkiye, and Hong Kong SAR, while Mongolia, Türkiye, Sri Lanka, and Japan will recover fastest. Top source markets include China, the USA, Hong Kong SAR, Korea (ROK), and India, boosted by digital trends and a growing middle class. Economic, geopolitical, and technological factors will influence the sector, with the report available for purchase and a member webinar set for February 20, 2025.
(PRESS RELEASE) BANGKOK, 2025-Mar-31 — /Travel PR News/ — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has introduced its latest Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027, delivering a thorough analysis of tourism recovery across the region. Developed alongside the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management, this report offers projections for 39 Asia Pacific destinations under mild, medium, and severe scenarios, equipping travel and tourism stakeholders with vital perspectives.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated, “Global travel is rebounding impressively, and the Asia Pacific remains a central force in this surge. Our newest forecast reveals the changing patterns of visitor traffic, alongside policy decisions and infrastructure enhancements that will steer the region’s tourism path through the next three years. These insights empower destinations to prepare for sustainable expansion and strength.”
Core Insights from the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027
Consistent Growth Ahead: In the medium scenario, international visitor arrivals (IVAs) to Asia Pacific are expected to climb to 813.7 million by 2027, up from an estimated 648.1 million in 2024, showing a clear upward trend.
Policy and Links Fueling Progress: Easier visa rules, broader flight networks, and improved facilities are hastening recovery. Moves like China’s visa-free transit expansion and Thailand’s “Six Countries, One Destination” campaign demonstrate how clever strategies boost visitor numbers.
Key Destination Outcomes: China is projected to regain its spot as the region’s top inbound market by 2027, with the USA, Türkiye, and Hong Kong SAR also shining. Mongolia, Türkiye, Sri Lanka, and Japan are anticipated to lead recovery pace, exceeding their pre-pandemic visitor figures.
Major Source Markets: China will hold its position as the biggest source of travelers to Asia Pacific, trailed by the USA, Hong Kong SAR, Korea (ROK), and India. Growth in outbound travel is spurred by an expanding middle class in India and Southeast Asia, plus greater use of digital payments and social media travel inspiration.
Broader Influences on Tourism: Economic changes, geopolitical dynamics, and tech advancements will shape the Asia Pacific visitor economy. Digital shifts, eco-conscious tourism efforts, and new transport options are poised to reshape travel in the region.
Noor added, “The industry needs to stay flexible and responsive to changing conditions. The Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027 provide crucial guidance for policymakers, businesses, and destination promoters looking to tap into fresh opportunities.”
Report Access Details
The Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027 report is available for purchase at www.pata.org/research-q1v63g6n2dw/p/asia-pacific-visitor-forecasts-2025-2027. PATA members can join an exclusive webinar on February 20, 2025, featuring expert commentary on the report’s findings and their significance. The forecast data is also downloadable on the PATAmPOWER platform. More information is available at www.pata.org.
Media contact:
Tel: +66 (0)2-460-9264
E-mail: communications@PATA.org
SOURCE: Pacific Asia Travel Association
