Asian outbound tourism takes off
17 Jun 2006
More Asians are heading abroad on holidays than ever before and new research, sponsored by the WTO, reveals the travel habits of seven Asia-Pacific countries that are rapidly becoming the driving force behind regional tourism. It is believed that Asia's outbound growth rates and travel potential far exceed that of other economic blocs, such as Europe or the Americas.
The new research – conducted in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Republic of Korea and Thailand – is contained in a series of seven publications called "The Asia & Pacific Intra-Regional Outbound Series" that will be available for purchase from the UNWTO.
The research indicates that 78 per cent of all international tourists in Asia come from other Asian countries.
Chief attractions of the region consist of health and wellness, city breaks, shopping and visiting TV and film locations.
