According to recent data from Trip.com
Group, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to see a surge in tourism in
2023 with inbound travellers predicted to increase by 94% compared to
the previous year, due to its diverse attractions and cultural richness.
The region was already established as a top destination for tourists
prior to the pandemic with a thriving tourism industry.
Trip.com's
analysis of booking trends to popular destinations such as Japan, South
Korea, and Hong Kong reveals that the demand for travel to the
Asia-Pacific region is soaring.
Japan has particularly emerged as a top destination among travellers,
maintaining a consistent ranking among the top five globally for
bookings and search volumes since entry restrictions were lifted in Q4
2022. As per Trip.com's
data, global hotel and flight bookings for arrivals between 15 March
and 30 June 2023 surged by 237% and 317%, respectively, compared to the
same period in the previous year.
Travellers are particularly drawn to the cherry blossom season in
Japan, between March and April. Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are the top
three cities visited in Japan, that offers travellers a unique blend of
culture, landscapes, and cuisine. Osaka boasts famous landmarks such as
Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium, and Tennoji Park, while Kyoto's rich
history and stunning architecture attract tourists from around the
world.
South
Korea has also set a goal to attract 10 million foreign visitors in
2023, following a record-breaking 17.5 million foreign tourists in 2019.
Seoul is the most popular destination for tourists, offering a mix of
ancient landmarks and attractions of historical and cultural
significance. Jeju Island is the second most popular destination for its
windswept coastline and mountainous horizons, and has gained
international recognition due to Netflix's K-drama, "Our Blues."
Hong Kong has also experienced a surge in tourism since China
reopened its borders in December 2022, attracting outbound visitors from
mainland China. Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360, and The Jurassic
Dinosaur Adventure Park are among the most popular attractions for Trip.com's customers.
Over the past decade, the Asia-Pacific region has transformed into a
major travel hub for all types of tourists, with a dramatic increase in
domestic and international arrivals. With its unique attractions and
natural landscapes, the region has gained a reputation as an in-trend
destination, and Trip.com's data suggests that this trend will continue in 2023.