Asia Pacific tourism landscape will continue to be shaped by economic shifts, geopolitical factors, and technological advancements
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) recently released Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027, prepared in collaboration with the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which provides in-depth insights into tourism recovery trends across the region. The report also presents forecasts for 39 destinations in the Asia Pacific region under mild, medium, and severe scenarios, offering critical insights for stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry.
The report says that under the medium scenario, international visitor arrivals (IVAs) to Asia Pacific are projected to reach 813.7 million by 2027, reflecting a continued upward trend from the estimated 648.1 million in 2024.
“As global travel continues its strong recovery, the Asia Pacific region remains a key driver of growth. This latest forecast highlights the dynamic shifts in visitor flows, policy interventions, and infrastructure improvements that will shape the region’s tourism landscape over the next three years. By understanding these evolving trends, destinations can better position themselves for sustainable growth and resilience,” says Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA.
The report adds that simplified visa processes, expanded airline routes, and enhanced infrastructure are accelerating recovery with initiatives such as China’s visa-free transit expansion and Thailand’s Six Countries, One Destination project illustrating how strategic policy shifts can drive visitor flows.
In terms of destination performance, China is forecast to reclaim its position as the leading inbound destination in the region, with the USA, Türkiye, and Hong Kong SAR ranking among the top performers by 2027. Meanwhile, Mongolia, Türkiye, Sri Lanka, and Japan are projected to lead in recovery rates, surpassing their pre-pandemic visitor numbers.
According to the report Asia Pacific tourism landscape will continue to be shaped by economic shifts, geopolitical factors, and technological advancements.
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