SEA Tourism begins its Recovery, but Pre-pandemic levels Remain distant

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to slow down, Southeast Asian tourism begins to ramp up as countries have started to ease their travel regulations. According to travel firm ForwardKeys, the region’s international airline bookings reached 38% of pre-pandemic levels last March, whereas in Jan the bookings were less than 10% of 2019 levels.

“We are the first to cut all the red tape,” said Philippine Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. “Tourists are quite happy because upon arrival, they are free to go.”

The Philippines and Singapore lead the charge as tourists are only required to perform a rapid antigen test before arrival.

ForwardKeys’ data shows that Singapore and Philippines’ bookings were at 72% and 65% of 2019 levels, respectively.

“The on-arrivals PCR can cost 2,000 to 2,500 baht ($60 to $75) and can cost a lot, especially for groups, [making] people hesitant to travel,” said Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association.

“If another country does not have entry requirements, people would rather go there…less hassle.”

However, Asia continues to lag behind Europe as their region eased its restrictions months before.

The International Air Transport Association predicts that APAC’s domestic and international traffic will reach 68% of 2019 levels, while pre-pandemic will be achieved by 2025.

SEA’s tourism must increase as it previously contributed $280.6 billion to the region’s GDP in 2019.

The main detriment to Asian tourism is the travel restrictions imposed by China, as tourists are still stuck at home due to the strict lockdowns. China’s citizens were once the region’s largest group of travelers. However, the country expects a minimal increase in international arrivals this year.

Although the number of tourists from around Asia has declined Southeast Asia has seen significant increases in travelers from Europe and North America this year.

“Things changed a lot for the better over the last month. We are seeing a boom in bookings,” said Rabil Lian, a tour guide with a top Singaporean travel agency, who recently got his job back after filling a temporary government job through the pandemic.

Source: Rappler