THE race in Asia Pacific (APAC) to reopen borders has led to strong uplifts in international demand to the region despite the varying rules around each country’s reopening.
Skyscanner Travel Insight data reveals positive momentum and increase in international demand to APAC, following the recent relaxation of border restrictions in many of the region’s countries.
International bookings in January (2022) to Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines are up, showing strong signs of pent-up demand.
Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines have seen recent surges in demand as some of the latest countries to relax restrictions on foreign visitors.
Countries such as Thailand and Singapore have seen sustained demand after relaxing restrictions in Q4 2021, but also see month on month increases in a positive sign for returning traveller confidence.
Demand to Australia is also high following the announcement the country will reopen its borders on February 21 to vaccinated tourists and other visa holders for the first time in almost two years.
Many visitors are planning trips to Australia following the announcement of its reopening. (Image credit: Photoholgic on Unsplash)
Vietnam +299% Month over Month (MoM) vs December
Top inbound origins:
• USA
• Germany
• Australia
• UK
• Japan
Indonesia +98% MoM vs December, Bali (+104% MoM) and Jakarta (+88% MoM)
Top inbound origins:
• UK
• Netherlands
• Franc
• Germany
• Spain
Malaysia +67% MoM vs December
Top inbound origins:
• UK
• Singapore
• Australia
• Netherlands
• Germany
Philippines +48% MoM vs December
Top inbound origins:
UK
UAE
USA
Germany
Saudi Arabia
Thailand +28% MoM vs December
Top inbound origins:
UK
Germany
Israel
Russia
Netherlands
Singapore +19% MoM vs December
Top inbound origins:
UK
Germany
Australia
South Korea
India
Australia +199% (Feb 7 vs 6 Feb 6)
Top inbound origins:
• UK
• India
• Germany
• Ireland
“The latest border reopening announcements in Asia Pacific alongside easing of some restrictions at the beginning of the year have resulted in positive travel demand, providing a boost to the industry during a crucial period for seasonal travel,” said Paul Whiteway, senior regional director for Asia Pacific at Skyscanner
He cited the re-opening of Australia’s border to international visitors as “another huge milestone for the tourism industry”, and early analysis reveals many travellers are already planning their trips.”
“From Skyscanner’s global footprint we’ve seen that when restrictions do ease, travellers react and are willing adapt to new measures in order to be able to travel internationally again,” added Whiteway. “Over the coming weeks, we will see markets react to the news, airlines announcing new schedules and building capacity to allow the return of international travel at scale.”
• Featured image credit: borders Olga Strelnikova/Getty Images
