The Malta Tourism Authority is on a mission to attract discerning travelers from the Asia-Pacific region, showcasing the island’s rich history, unique culture, and stunning landscapes. With its focus on quality experiences and sustainable tourism, Malta is poised to become a top destination for travelers seeking something truly special.
Michelle Taylan, President of the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA), emphasized the growing appeal of cruise tourism at Cruise World Asia 2024. She highlighted the industry’s diverse demographics, experiential travel opportunities, and the crucial role of travel fairs in promoting this unique travel experience.
Vietnam showcased its diverse tourism offerings and cultural heritage at the Top Resa travel event in Paris, attracting a significant number of French locals and international tourists. The Vietnamese pavilion, featuring traditional decor and captivating art performances, left a lasting impression, solidifying Vietnam’s position as a premier travel destination.
In 2024, international tourists traveling to the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) are extending their trips by an average of two days, resulting in an overall average trip duration of 7.4 days. This is a marked increase from the 2019 average of 6.1 days. Meanwhile, in Australia and New Zealand , overseas visitors are staying for an average of 5.4 days, reflecting an increase of 0.6 days compared to 2019. Several factors contribute to this trend, including the affordability of destinations, warm weather, and favorable exchange rates.
The travel industry is experiencing an unprecedented surge in 2024, with tourism spending and passenger traffic reaching new heights. According to the Mastercard Economics Institute’s (MEI) report, ‘Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries,’ international arrivals in Japan soared to over 3 million in March, highlighting the region’s leading role in the global travel revival. The report analyzed data from 74 markets, including 13 in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, revealing that consumers are prioritizing meaningful experiences and allocating more of their budgets to travel despite varying exchange rates and affordability challenges. The Asia Pacific region has shown a particularly strong desire to travel, with increased savvy in seeking the best value and unforgettable experiences. Munich is set to be the top summer destination due to the UEFA EURO 2024 football championship, while Tokyo, Bali, and Bangkok also rank among the top ten cities gaining momentum. India is witnessing a surge in international travel, with 97 million passengers passing through Indian airports in the first quarter of 2024. Globally, consumers continue to prioritize experiences over material goods, with spending on experiences and nightlife reaching a five-year high. Australian tourists are the highest spenders in this category, while luxury fashion sales have soared in Japan and Hong Kong SAR, and fine dining is thriving in Australia, India, and Thailand.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is hosting its Annual Summit 2024 in Macao, China, from May 15-17. Themed ‘Reimagining Tourism,’ the summit aims to shape the future of travel and tourism, making it more resilient and sustainable. Renowned leaders from the tourism sector will participate as speakers, including Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Daisy Ho, Managing Director at SJM Resorts, S.A.; and David Fowler, Vice President and Head of Cross-Border & Sales Excellence- Asia Pacific at Visa.
