Destinations

Economy impacts on growth

International visitor arrivals into Asia Pacific destinations during May 2012 showed a collective gain of 3% year-on-year according to PATA. The association pointed out that it was the second consecutive month with a declining growth rate and heralds the impact of the various economic contagions across the globe. For the first five months of 2012, the average growth in international visitor arrivals into Asia Pacific destinations was 6% up year-on-year. PATA said that North America is showing a similar but more volatile growth pattern. After registering a solid 12% increase in foreign arrivals during March, the growth trend reduced to just 0.5% in April and then contracted by1% in May 2012. Canada and the USA managed to sustain positive growth of 2% and 1% respectively during the month but a contraction in international arrivals into Mexico for both April and May (-6% each month) has affected the overall sub-regional performance. A slowing of intra-regional travel demand was the major negative factor along with a 4% drop in UK arrivals. PATA CEO, Martin J Craigs observed: “While there is significant variation in the results at the sub-regional and destination levels, the majority of Asia Pacific economies still reported growth during the month of May 2012. It is evident, however, that the toughening global marketplace is having an impact on the Asia Pacific region. None of us can be afford to be complacent as we reach the midway point of calendar year 2012.” For more, go to http://www.pata.org .