SENTOSA, Singapore — Travelers in Asia are focusing on boutique hotels in countries that don’t require visas, according to the latest travel trends from marketing and booking sites.
These travel trends were discussed at the TravMedia Summit Asia 2024, held on Sentosa Island in Singapore. The panel was led by Aditi Sawhney from Mastercard, along with representatives from Carma, Trip.com, and Marriott International.
The experts agreed that while travel in the Asia-Pacific region is picking up, it is still not as high as the global average. Japan and Vietnam are the only countries that have returned to pre-pandemic visitor levels.
Ching Yee Wong from Marriott noted that travel is booming, especially in the second quarter of 2024. Edmund Ong from Trip.com added that countries with visa-free travel options are helping boost tourism.
The panel shared that travelers are looking for good value for their money and are willing to extend their trips for special experiences like concerts or sports events. Divika Jethmal from Carma shared data showing that many travelers are now planning trips around boutique hotels, luxury stays, and unique experiences.
Some smaller trends include silent retreats, off-season travel, and train trips between cities.
Ong mentioned that popular destinations for the rest of the year include Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. A recent study showed that conversations about traveling to the Philippines have increased, along with interest in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Surprisingly, India is expected to attract even more tourists than before, and Australia may become the top destination for Asian travelers by 2025.
The panel highlighted the importance of experiences, like Taylor Swift’s concert in Singapore, which drew many visitors from the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand, leading to a spike in hotel bookings.
Wong believes that personalized experiences that connect with local cultures will be a big trend in the next five years. She noted that 71% of hotel executives think improving personalization is important for their business plans.
Jethmal pointed out that younger travelers are active on social media, making it a great place to spot new travel trends.
A report from Skift confirmed that the Asia-Pacific region is bouncing back, though we’re still waiting for China to fully reopen. Skift’s Asia Editor, Peden Bhutia, noted that 27% of solo travelers are between 55 and 65 years old, indicating that this age group travels frequently. Younger travelers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are also using artificial intelligence to help plan their trips.
