The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has released its latest visitor forecasts for Asia Pacific, projecting strong tourism recovery in the region through 2027. The report, created in partnership with the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, offers a detailed outlook on tourism trends in 39 destinations. It presents forecasts under three different scenarios—mild, medium, and severe—providing valuable insights for the travel industry.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid commented, “As global travel continues to bounce back, Asia Pacific remains a vital source of growth. This report highlights the changing patterns of visitor arrivals, policy changes, and infrastructure developments that will shape tourism in the region over the next few years. By understanding these trends, destinations can better prepare for long-term growth and stability.”
Key Findings from the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027
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Strong Growth Expected: Under the medium scenario, international arrivals to Asia Pacific are expected to reach 813.7 million by 2027, up from an estimated 648.1 million in 2024.
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Policy and Connectivity Boosting Recovery: Efforts like simplified visa processes, expanded flight routes, and improved infrastructure are driving tourism recovery. For example, China’s visa-free transit program and Thailand’s “Six Countries, One Destination” project are key initiatives enhancing visitor flows.
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Top Performing Destinations: China is expected to regain its position as the top inbound destination by 2027. The USA, Türkiye, and Hong Kong SAR are also forecast to perform strongly. Mongolia, Türkiye, Sri Lanka, and Japan are projected to recover quickly and surpass their pre-pandemic visitor numbers.
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Leading Source Markets: China will remain the largest source of visitors to the region, followed by the USA, Hong Kong SAR, South Korea, and India. The growing middle class in India and Southeast Asia, along with greater use of digital payment systems and social media-driven travel trends, is boosting outbound travel.
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Economic and Technological Trends: The Asia Pacific tourism sector will be influenced by shifts in the economy, geopolitical changes, and technological innovations. Digital transformation, sustainable tourism efforts, and new transportation infrastructure are expected to reshape travel experiences.
“As we look ahead, the tourism industry must stay flexible and responsive to changing market conditions,” Hamid added. “The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027 provide essential information for policymakers, businesses, and destination marketers to take advantage of new opportunities in the region.”
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