Intra-Asian travel to increase - ITB report
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As the global recession bites, Asian tourism is moving increasingly towards a reliance on tourists from within Asia. However, the traditional tourism generating powerhouses of Japan and South Korea are facing painful economic problems. Only China and India currently offer much hope. Even in these two emerging markets, travellers have already reduced their trips and say they will reduce more in 2009.
These are the findings of The ITB World Travel Trends Report, published by Messe Berlin.
The report draws on results from the World Travel Monitor by IPK, a survey interviewing 500,000 persons in 58 countries around the world each year.
According to the report both China and India will still produce growth in 2009, but at lower growth rates than 2008. But prospects for Japan, South Korea and Taiwan do not look good. The report suggests that European destinations that usually attract a large number of Asian travellers will be in for a hard time in 2009. The ITB World Travel Trends Report shows a 10% growth in travel to China at the expense of Europe. However, the Americas enjoyed a 16% increase in Chinese visitors in 2008.
In terms of relative growth, India did even better in 2008 than the Chinese market. Indian trip volume grew 13% and exceeded all growth expectations. However, on this occasion, Europe appears to have been the main beneficiary with a 25% increase in Indian visitors in 2008.
The ITB World Travel Trends Report, March 2009, was prepared on behalf of Messe Berlin by IPK International.
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