Arrivals, the leading authority for the tourism and activities industry, has researched the trends that are shaping the future of travel experiences in APAC (Asia-Pacific). The findings are published in The Outlook for Experience 2019-2025, which is the study.
After the reopening of tourism after the pandemic, the Asia-Pacific region is seeing a lot of travel in European countries. In the words of Douglas Quinby, CEO and co-founder of Arrivals, “APAC travelers spend more, travel further and longer.”
Here are the trends that both the experience industry and sellers of travel, activities and attractions should be aware of:
1. Very uneven recovery
While the recovery of the economy and tourism is on track, it is not progressing uniformly across APAC. Markets in South East Asia, Korea and Australia are making a strong comeback. However, some countries like China and Japan are taking a little longer to recover from the pandemic.
2.- APAC preferred destination
According to Arrival’s study, intra-regional travel is the priority in APAC, but long distance travel and Europe are not far behind. Asian travelers have started to travel by region, ie within the Asia-Pacific region, but long-haul destinations are not far behind. Operators and resellers report an increase in demand, particularly in Europe.
3.- Return of the Chinese traveler
Prior to the pandemic, China had been a major driver of travel growth, however they are now starting to come back with the summer season a big boost for Chinese tourism in Europe.
Therefore, operators in the region should first focus on other source markets in the region, and prepare for China’s return in the second half of 2023.
Eric Zhuang, director of strategy at Asia-based didatravel, commented on this change in preferences at the recent Arrivals 360 event in Berlin: “There is a need for supply chain improvements, and also changes in consumer behavior and reserve patterns of many customers Most people will still visit the main sites of the pre-Covid era, but what they choose to do will be very different.
4. The young traveler will define the rebound
Generation Z and Millennials are driving the momentum of the Asian recovery, and their behavior is already changing the industry.
These types of travelers prioritize experiences over other things, so they are willing to pay more for them. This means more small-group, in-depth experiences that take travelers off the beaten path with unique and memorable interactions.
Of course, it is important to note that being a very young generation where digital and internet are preferred, experiences need to be able to be booked from mobile, and sustain themselves on Instagram and TikTok.
5. Mobile bookings will triple their share by 2025
As mentioned in the previous point, operators must be prepared for the mobile wave, keeping in mind that young travelers are leading the return to tourism. In other words, have everything ready so that they can book or find out what they need through their mobile.
According to Arrival’s study, mobile booking and online marketplaces will more than triple their market share by 2025.
“We’ve seen a 120% increase from pre-pandemic levels,” commented Wilfred Fan, Klook’s chief commercial officer, at the final Arrivals 360 Berlin in March 2023. “This is a company record, and the trend is continuing.”
6.- Small group tours will redefine the future in Asia
Young travelers want more trips independently and with the greatest possible experiences of adventure, which means that travel and activity companies must organize everything into smaller groups and where outdoor activities are fun to share and enjoy with family and friends. Hero for.
Therefore, this type of travel will not only lead to the return of travel, but will redefine its future in Asia.
