Predictions on: Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific will continue to grow and at a faster pace than 2023

As the Asia Pacific region (APAC) was slower to completely lift COVID restrictions compared to the rest of the world, our report last year predicted the region was expected to grow but at a measured pace in 2023.

Now, this year’s prediction for the region is expected to outshine last year’s.

“I’m optimistic about the region’s continued growth; GBTA and the International Air Transport Association have both forecast an upward recovery trend for APAC in 2024, with travel expected to even exceed 2019 by 3%,” Warren says.

A big catalyst in the growth prediction has been China’s reopening and robust domestic demand for corporate travel and meetings and events.

“Plus, the rebound of Japan, South Korea and Australia, along with the return of international business travel, has boosted travel in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia,” she adds.

Furthermore, businesses across Asia Pacific are steadily demonstrating a stronger interest in sustainability while travelling, Warren adds. “APAC consumers are aware that sustainability comes at a cost and they are willing to pay more to ensure their trip is sustainable,” she says. “India and China are emerging as countries showing the most interest in sustainable travel, closely followed by Australia and Japan. This is certainly a region where we predict an uptick in wanting to make those sustainable travel choices going into 2024.”