NEW GOLDEN ERA FOR GLOBAL TOURISM
Travellers from emerging markets to be key driver of growth, says Visa Business and Economic Insights
TRAVELLERS from emerging markets (EM) in Asia are expected to be the key driver of global tourism’s growth. Visa Business and Economic Insights Asia Pacific chief economist Glenn B. Maguire said the rising affluence in Asia Pacific would fuel long-haul travel demand.
“We see a new golden era for tourism and travel coming together despite the economic uncertainty. Today, we have more frequent travel in EMs due to the proliferation of Internet access and mobile technology, making it more convenient to make travel arrangements,” he said at the World Tourism Destinations Forum, here, yesterday.
Maguire said the increased connectivity was transforming the way people travel.
However, he said EM travellers were more price-sensitive, adding that a new golden era was dawning for travel and tourism.
“Technology and globalisation are shrinking distances, making it easier, cheaper and more convenient for more people to travel,” added Maguire.
He said airport upgrades and construction would reshape travel patterns and half of these new facilities were located in Asia.
On a similar note, Malaysia is targeting about 26.4 million international tourists this year, backed by stronger tourism segments for leisure and business.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah said Malaysia’s tourism industry was dominated by the influx of tourists from Asean and Europe.
“As of September, international tourist arrivals in Malaysia hit 19.4 million. We are seeing good traction from countries like China and Singapore.
“The travel growth would also be dependent on the family-visiting, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions and shopping spree,” he said.
Rashidi said Kuala Lumpur was also considered as one of the shopping havens in the world, attracting more international tourists into the country.
“Based on current travelling trend, people would opt for good deals (cheaper air fares) given by low-cost carriers.
“People are becoming more adventurous and willing to see many things, despite the ongoing global geopolitical turmoil and trade tensions,” he added.
Rashidi said the trade tension between China and United States would not hamper the local tourism sector, citing “people love to travel”.
He said travel sector could be dominated by the strong presence of low-cost carriers, citing that these players offered attractive air fares.
“People have choices to travel and many airlines have strengthened their route connectivity.”
Rashidi said the tourism sector should embrace digital technology by harnessing public-private partnerships.