Outbound Travel in Asia Looks Positive for 2017

According to recent tourist data, Asians traveled more than ever this year mostly in regions within Asia, including beach holidays and international trips also shot up to double-digit growth. This sure holds a lot of expectation for 2017.

Outbound travel by Asians grew by 11% during the first eight months of 2016, as per World Travel Monitor records. A 14% rise in trips to Asian destinations and 11% rise in travel to the Americas were noticed. However, Europe trips dropped by 1% between January to August 2016. China topped the chart with 18% rise in outbound trips, excluding Macau and Hong Kong. The Republic of Korea also had an 11% rise in global travel. There was 7% increase in international business trips and 12% rise in visits to family and friends including leisure trips.

Sun and beach holidays were preferred by the Asians, which increased by 20% between January to August 2016. Besides, countryside trips, city trips also saw an increase. The UNWTO also showed strong growth for many destinations in the Asia-Pacific this year. According to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, Asia is worldwide leader in inbound growth with 9% increase in international tourist arrivals through September. Asian outbound travel also looks positive. A 6% rise in Asian outbound trips is predicted for 2017.