Ep 210: The Top 8 Statistical Travel & Tourism Talking Points in South East Asia

Travel and tourism in South East Asia are heavily stat-driven. Indeed, 2024 is turning out to be a year of shouting loudly about milestones and 2019 catch-ups across the region. So, this week, Hannah and Gary assess 8 hot numerical topics, taking us to Singapore, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, China and Japan.

En route, we deconstruct the 2023 total of 100 million arrivals to South East Asia, and analyse the Q1 figures in key markets. Thailand is out front in ASEAN, while Japan is breaking monthly records in North East Asia - with strong support from South East Asian travellers. Plus, will the 6-nation ASEAN border-free travel visa get off the ground? When are Vietnam’s 2 high-speed rail routes to China slated to begin construction? How has Malaysia achieved an 85% growth in cruise port visits compared to pre-pandemic?

Plus, how many passengers rode the China-Laos railway in its first 12 months, and why is the 4th tower at a Singapore tourism icon gaining media coverage across Asia Pacific?