Asia Pacific Tourism - Case Study Example

Asia Pacific Tourism Asia Pacific Tourism In the last decade, the Asia-Pacific region has been identified to be the rapidest tourist growing destination globally (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). In a large number of countries within the region, tourism is an important sector. The notable economic growth increase, political stability, disposable income and ample leisure time among other factors have intensified this significant tourism growth in the region (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). This paper will review tourism in Asia Pacific region by studying the growth and the development, the current trends and the future outlook. Background The world sees the Asia Pacific region as the future of opportunities in relation to businesses and tourism (Yeoman & Beeton, 2014). It covers 2.8 billion hectares or an approximation of 22% of the global land area. It stretches from the Chinese borders to the tip of the Australian and New Zealand areas. Its largest region is the North Asian part that contains China. The Oceania is the second most important part and is dominated by Australia (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). The population of the Asia-Pacific region grows rapidly fast and is disproportionately distributed. The Asia Pacific region reveals the signs of being the hub of tourism all over the world in the new millennium (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). It is going to be a tourism destination that most tourists will find hard to resist. Throughout the last decade, the arrival of tourist and receipts increased at a faster rate than any other destination in the whole world. The rate is reported to have been almost twice more than the industrialized nations (Yeoman & Beeton, 2014). According to Frost, Laing and Beeton (2014), from 1980 to 1995, the arrival of tourists and receipts in the region increased averagely at a rate of 10%, higher than in any tourist region in the world. Statistics derived from the World Tourism Organization in 1996 reveal that receipts and tourist arrival accumulated to 15.2% of the world’s total share (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). The region has since then been enjoying gains of market share. The gain was at the expense of the Western world that led to a significant of their shares as at that time. According to the WTO, by 2013, the region is expected to surpass the Americas and become the second preferred tourism destination. Mass travel, which initially began in the mid of 1950s that saw millions of people from the Western world travel all over the world is now taking effect in Asia (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). The Asia-Pacific region has become a prime generator and receiver of global tourism. The wealthy middle-class community in Asia has begun joining their Western counterparts in the pleasures of travel around the world. Current Tourism Trends in Asia Pacific Region Very many factors have been deemed responsible for the increased and rapid growth of tourism in Asia Pacific region (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). The factors include economic growth, political stability, increased income, eases of travel restrictions, right market campaigns and the liberalization of the air transport. With these factors intact, tourism in Asia Pacific is expected to flourish even more. The growth in the economy in the region reflects that its economy is of a diversified nature (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). The range of economy in the last decade has been between 6% and 9% as compared to the rest of the world’s 3% and 4% (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). Analysts expect that the region will maintain the rate between 6% and 8% in the next ten years. Consequently, the region’s tourism potential is expected to blossom even more. There has been a significant increase in income in the Asian region (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). Consequently, leisure time has also increased. Due to the rapid growth of the economy and its stable nature, disposable incomes have marred the Asian nations (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). The propensity to travel has also increased. Since travel is no longer seen as a luxury, leisure consciousness has grown in the region. In a matter of fact, travel and entertainment is deemed as an affordable commodity and is vastly enjoyed. It is regarded as a status symbol or an agent of relieving oneself from pressures of life and work. Politically, the Asia-Pacific region is stable. It has become even safer than ever (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). For example, tourism in the Philippines was initially hampered by terrorism, civil unrest, and national disasters. Today, Philippines enjoy stability, and this has motivated tourists to visit the region (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). Various governments in the Asia-Pacific region are increasing their investment in tourism due to its profound returns. Investors have extended not only in Philippines but also to areas like Vietnam, China, and Indonesia (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). These are nations that were off-limits to tourism but are now becoming the hub of tourism because of stable governments. The current Asia-Pacific region is experiencing an ease to travel restrictions (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). Throughout history, the demand and the desire to travel intensifies, whenever the travel restrictions are weeded out (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). With the eminent increase of demand in traveling, very many countries in the region have been compelled to lift their travel bans. In recent times, countries like Malaysia and Taiwan have enforced visa-free days to encourage tourism in the region. Asia-Pacific region is embracing technology and incorporating it in the tourism sector (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). Technological developments have conspicuously and positively impacted on the growth of tourism in the region. The trend is expected to increase even in the next ten years or more (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). For example, there has been the development of larger and more fuel conservative airplanes like the Boeing 777 and 747, Airbus A340. They have reduced the operational cost, increased the capacity of airlines, and improved the comfort and safety of air travel. The developments have also impacted on the way product is delivered to consumers (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). For example, customers can book travel and hotel reservations online. The Future Outlook of Tourism Asia-Pacific The region is expected to maintain its status of being the fastest growing destination (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). It is also expected to be the regions epitome of long-term tourism prospect. The focus of WTO shows that the region will emerge as the world’s second tourism area behind Europe (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). The growth is expected to be signified by an increase of arrival to 229 million of visitors internationally. The rate of growth is expected to be 7.6% annually. The growth is expected to create and establish new marketing opportunities in the industry. Japan is expected to continue being the principal generator of visitors (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). China has a great potential of being the next prime generator of visitors. Major global events like the Commonwealth Games, the Olympics Games and the FIFA World Cup will at different times be held in the region (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). They will significantly boost tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. The World Travel and Tourism Council focus on the region reveal that by 2020, travel and tourism will generate US$5.6 trillion of gross output. Additionally, the industry is expected to create extra 105 million jobs that are new and indirect. The economy is anticipated to be strong and increase (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). The growth will increase the disposable income and will stimulate the demand and the desire to travel. According to the article, the demand for air travel will increase at an annual and average rate 8.6%. The Asia-Pacific region will control almost half of the total passenger traffic. Japan alone will be seen dominating the traffic with a population of over 90 million passengers. Vietnam is predicted to be the fastest growing travel destination. New airports are expected to be established and opened in the region, especially in Korea, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Malaysia (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). Expansions of airports will be seen taking place in most airports in the region. Billions of dollars will be invested in the region so as to meet the demand of the burgeoning tourism industry (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). Joint promotions between the National Tourism Organization and the various private sectors are reflected to create stronger tourism product that will intensify the number of arrivals and enhance the growth of tourism. The ongoing devaluation of the region’s currency will pose a significant implication in the tourism industry (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). There will be an increase in inbound travel since the visitors will be influenced by the increased purchasing power in the countries that experience the devaluation of currencies (Turner, 2014). For instance, the visitor expenditure will significantly increase due to the longer period of stay and the existence of attractive prices (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). It has adverse impacts in the short term. However, the long-term effects will apparently outweigh the costs. From the study of the article, Asia-Pacific region’s tourism has come a long way (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). Its growth is long overdue and should have reached the peak many years ago. However, the political instabilities that characterize the region have hampered its growth (Frost, Laing, & Beeton, 2014). Nations like Vietnam and South Korea have experienced reigns of lack of peace that scare away visitors. With the emergence of better governments, peace has been established and consequently the economy has been boosted. In conclusion, the insight about the future of Asia Pacific region tourism appears real. It requires massive support, economically and politically. It is evident that the countries in the region are propagating financial support to realize their success. The investments are from the government and the private sectors. The region is expected to maintain its status of being the fastest tourist destination. Japan is also expected to be the largest exporter of visitors. The economy of the area is also expected to be strong, which will oversee the expansion and creation of new airports. References Frost, W., Laing, J., & Beeton, S. (2014). The Future of Nature-Based Tourism in the Asia-Pacific Region. Journal of Travel Research, 53(6), 721-732. Retrieved from Turner, R. (2014). Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2014, Asia Pacific. World Travel and Tourism Council. Retrieved from http://www.wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/economic%20impact%20research/regional%20reports/asia_pacific2014.pdf Yeoman, I. S., & Beeton, S. (2014). The State of Tourism Futures Research An Asian Pacific Ontological Perspective. Journal of Travel Research, 53(6), 675-679. Retrieved from Read More