Ep 252: From 40,000 to 152 Billion: South East Asia's Top 8 Travel & Tourism Statistical Talking Points

About This Episode

5 May 2025 • 32m10s

South East Asia comprises 10 diverse nations and nearly 700 million people spread across a vast landmass. Consequently, the numbers are often large, impactful and scaleable - and travel and tourism are no exceptions.

This week, Gary and Hannah select the Top 8 statistical talking points from across the region. These cover inbound and outbound travel, ASEAN vs APAC airline seat capacity, the Hajj pilgrimage from Indonesia, human capital development in Vietnam – and electrified living everywhere.

Plus, can Love Win All in Thailand? Which capital city is spending almost USD200 million on urban heritage revitalisation? And which country is surging far ahead of the pack for year-on year tourism arrivals growth? Plus, much more…

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