Travellers from APAC record the highest spend per person per day globally, at a rate of USD 300
Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is poised for significant tourism growth, with spending on international travel forecast to hit USD 2.5 trillion and domestic travel to reach USD 4.3 trillion by 2029.
Outbound travel from APAC is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7 pc, with intra-regional journeys expected to account for 61 pc of all trips by the end of 2025. By 2029, one in three trips is anticipated to be outside the APAC region, with 75 pc of bookings set to be made online. These are some of the findings of a study by Euromonitor International, a global data analytics company, says a press statement by Arabian Travel Market.
Danielle Curtis
“More than 60 pc of travellers are booking trips around concerts and sporting events, while over 40 pc are influenced by digital platforms such as TikTok. Interestingly, film and television are also playing a significant role, evidenced by a rise in bookings to Thailand following the popularity of The White Lotus,” says Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.
The statement adds that a panel discussion at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) brought together top industry minds to explore the future of travel in the APAC region. Moderated by Mingie Wang, Chief Correspondent, China Daily, a leading newspaper, the panel discussed traveller behaviour, digital transformation and the resurgence of outbound travel, particularly from China, providing insights into this key global market.
Panellists also cited sustainability as a key consideration for younger generations in the APAC region, with research from Trip.com indicating that 30-40 pc of Gen Y and millennial travellers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly travel. For these consumers, sustainability extends beyond carbon offsets and environmental protection, encompassing support for local culture and heritage.
According to a recent report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of ATM, tourism nights from Asia Pacific and Africa are on track to more than double between 2025 and 2030. The number of tourism nights, specifically from China to the Middle East, is expected to grow by 189 pc through 2030, and APAC source markets are set to account for the largest share of business nights in the region, with India, in particular, gaining importance.
Additionally, travellers from APAC record the highest spend per person per day globally, at a rate of USD 300, across various tourism sectors, including accommodation, food and beverage and retail.
According to the statement, as a newcomer to APAC tourism markets, Saudi Arabia has adopted a highly localised approach, as outlined during the discussion. Recognising the diversity of the region, which comprises 49 distinct countries, tourism authorities in the Kingdom study each source market closely, from dietary preferences to cultural nuances, tailoring travel experiences accordingly.
“Technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role in travel decision- making across the APAC region, with consumers relying heavily on digital tools, social media, and AI. Mobile-first planning is transforming how travellers research and book trips, although the digital landscape varies significantly from country to country. One constant across the region is the importance of trust, particularly in peer-generated content, which continues to influence traveller choices at every stage of the journey,” adds Curtis.
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