Asia Pacific Tourism to Witness Robust Rebound Through 2027, PATA Forecast Reveals

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has released a detailed visitor forecast for the Asia Pacific region from 2025 to 2027, indicating an anticipated robust recovery and growth in tourism.

The report, “Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027,” prepared by PATA in partnership with the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, offers an extensive analysis of prospective tourism trends in the Asia Pacific region. The forecast covers 39 destinations under three scenarios: mild, medium, and severe. These scenarios provide valuable insights for stakeholders in the travel and tourism sector, helping them understand and adapt to the anticipated changes in the industry.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated that the Asia Pacific region remains a significant growth catalyst as global travel continues to recover strongly. The forecast elucidates the dynamic changes in visitor flows, policy changes, and infrastructure improvements that will shape the region’s tourism landscape in the coming years.

The report highlights a resilient growth trajectory, with international visitor arrivals (IVAs) to Asia Pacific projected to reach 813.7 million by 2027, up from an estimated 648.1 million in 2024. Policy changes and improved connectivity are key factors driving this recovery. Examples include China’s visa-free transit expansion and Thailand’s “Six Countries, One Destination” initiative, demonstrating how strategic policy shifts can boost visitor flows.

China is predicted to regain its top spot as the leading inbound destination in Asia Pacific, with the USA, Türkiye, and Hong Kong SAR ranking among the top performers by 2027. Mongolia, Türkiye, Sri Lanka, and Japan are expected to lead in recovery rates, surpassing their pre-pandemic visitor numbers.

Regarding outbound travel, China is anticipated to remain the largest source market for Asia Pacific, followed by the USA, Hong Kong SAR, Korea (ROK), and India. The growing middle class in India and Southeast Asia, the increased use of digital payment platforms and travel inspiration from social media are fuelling outbound travel growth.

The report also identifies economic shifts, geopolitical factors, and technological advancements as major trends impacting the visitor economy. Digital transformation, sustainable tourism initiatives, and new transportation infrastructure are poised to redefine travel experiences in the region.

As the industry evolves, stakeholders must stay flexible and responsive to shifting market dynamics, Noor advised. The insights from the PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027 will be invaluable for policymakers, businesses, and destination marketers aiming to capitalise on emerging opportunities.

The full report is available for purchase at PATA’s website. Additionally, PATA members can access an exclusive webinar on February 20, 2025, featuring expert insights from industry leaders and analysts on the report’s key findings and implications.