Asian countries were among the last to reopen after the Covid-19 pandemic, so while the rest of the world started recovering well into 2022, they are only now seeing a surge in tourists.
The Asia-Pacific region (APAC) is expected to welcome 94% more visitors this year than in 2022, according to Statista, the growth continuing into 2024. Hotel bookings in the most popular tourist destinations for the period between 15 March and 30 June have grown as much as 237% compared to last year, according to a recent analysis from Trip.com.
1. Japan
Japan is one of the top 5 destinations in APAC for global travellers. Since entry restrictions were lifted last year, bookings and search volumes have greatly increased. This year, between 15 March and 30 June, hotel bookings have increased by 237% compared to the same period last year, while global flight booking for the same period have increased by 317% year-on-year, with the most popular routes being London – Tokyo and Paris – Tokyo.
The most visited cities in Japan are Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, with the preferred travel time of the year being March-April for the renowned cherry blossom season.
2. South Korea
Since it lifted quarantine requirements last year, South Korea has become the lead Asian country in the online travel market. Korea’s Tourism Organization has announced it is hoping to attract 30 million yearly foreign tourists by 2027, targeting 10 million for this year. This year, between 15 March and 30 June, hotel bookings have increased by 51% compared to the same period last year, while flight booking from Europe (UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany) for the same period have increased by 456% year-on-year, with the most popular routes being London – Seoul and Paris – Seoul.
After the capital, the volcanic island of Jeju is the most popular destination for tourists, brought into the spotlight by one of Netflix’s biggest K-dramas “Our Blues”.
3. Hong Kong
China finally abandoned its zero-covid policy in December last year and soon after borders reopened flight booking from mainland China skyrocketed, Hong Kong being one of the top 5 tourist destinations for outbound visitors from mainland China. This year, between 15 March and 30 June, hotel bookings have increased by 31% compared to the same period last year, while flight booking from Europe (UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany) for the same period have increased by a staggering 1,362% year-on-year, with the most popular routes being UK – Hong Kong and Germany – Hong Kong.
The most popular tourist attractions in Hong Kong include Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360, a cable car experience across the rolling green hills, the Peak Tram and The Jurassic Dinosaur Adventure Park.
