PATA predicts 380 Million Visitor Arrivals in Asia Pacific in 2007

There were close to 356 million international trips to Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) member destinations in 2006, representing region-wide year-on-year growth of 5.3% over 2005.

This was revealed by the 'PATA Annual Statistical Report 2006', launched Tuesday. The following destinations posted "best-ever performances" in 2006:

- Chile, in the Americas;
- Bhutan, India and Pakistan, in South Asia;
- China (PRC), Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Korea (ROK) Macau SAR and Mongolia, in Northeast Asia;
- Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar. Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, in Southeast Asia; and
- Australia, Cook Islands, Hawaii, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea and Samoa, in the Pacific.

"Asia Pacific may attract up to 380 million international visitor arrivals in 2007," said PATA Director - Strategic Intelligence Centre, Mr John Koldowski. "So far this year the region has added 13.8 million international visitor arrivals compared to the same period in 2006, an expansion of 7.1% year-on-year."

Mr Koldowski outlined the major issues and trends affecting international travel flows to and within the region in the short and medium term:

- Jet fuel prices, which account for 28% of airlines' operating costs in 2007 (in 2003 jet fuel prices accounted 14% of costs).
- Political uncertainty, with major elections scheduled in regional destinations.
- Climate change; the industry's response and political implications.
- Intra-regional and cross-border traffic will continue to dominate.
- Continuing expansion of road and air routes throughout Asia.
- The effects of new aircraft; the A380 and B787.
- The progression of sub-orbital flight technology and space tourism.

"Since 2002, international visitor arrivals to and within Asia Pacific have grown at an average annual rate of 6.2%," Mr Koldowski added. "Assuming no external shocks, PATA forecasts continued positive performance, at least in the medium-term."

The 'PATA Annual Statistical Report 2006' brings together in one volume the top-line performance statistics for destinations across Asia Pacific from 2002 to 2006. Covering both inbound and outbound flows, the report provides an overview of annual travel movements to and within Asia Pacific.

The 'PATA Annual Statistical Report 2006' by PATA's Strategic Intelligence Centre is available to PATA members for US$250 and non-members US$500.

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