Despite the many challenges the Asia-Pacific region has faced, it now shows a rapid recovery, with key points such as increased flight connectivity, innovative marketing strategies and relaxed visa requirements playing an important role.
According to travel data analytics company ForwardKeys, in the third month of this year, the recovery of the capacity of the countries of the region is only 13 percent lower than the levels of 2019, VisaGuide.World reports.
Asia-Pacific notably outperformed global country capacity growth, recording an increase of seven percentage points compared to the worldwide average of three percentage points between Q4 2023 and Q1 2024.
Chinese outbound travel during the recent Labour Day holiday indicates a mere 16 percent decrease compared to the levels recorded in 2019. The relaxation of visa policies has notably enhanced Chinese travel to numerous destinations.
China & Kazakhstan Recorded Largest Growth in Travel in April 2024
Further data also shows a 212 percent increase in travel from China to Kazakhstan, with notable increases in the following countries:
- Singapore
- Azerbaijan
- Malaysia
- Maldives
On the other hand, Thailand showed a slower recovery due to ongoing security concerns. Mainland Chinese couples were drawn to Air Macao’s pandemic-era promotions, such as buy-one-get-one-free tickets, and continue to do so even after the pandemic. In this regard, visa facilitation has significantly improved Chinese travel to many destinations, with the most growth in the countries mentioned above.
Our data highlights a robust recovery trajectory in the Asia-Pacific region. The seven percentage point increase in seat capacity from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024 and the noticeable decline in airfares, driven by strategic marketing efforts, underscore the region’s resilience and adaptability.
Long-Term Travel Outlook for Asia-Pacific Region Remains Positive for This Summer Season
At the same time, their new ‘Travel Pass’ offer for affordable travel from select cities in Macau has further increased double bookings by four percentage points compared to 2019 levels.
Based on ForwarKeys data, summer travel to APAC is down just 12 percent as of April 27, compared to 2019 levels. In contrast, travel to Europe and the Americas has fully recovered, while travel to Africa and the Middle East is decreased by only five percent.
According to the Asia Pacific Aviation Association, in March 2024, Asia-Pacific airlines continued to enjoy strong international growth, with leisure and business travel rising.
During the same period, the region’s airlines transported 28 million passengers, 37.5 percent more than a year ago. As the authority explains, for the three months, Asian airlines recorded a 47 percent year-on-year increase in the number of passengers carried, driven by increased demand for both leisure and business travel.