Ep 32: Can Domestic Travellers Rescue South East Asia's Embattled Tourism Sector?

About This Episode

19 Aug 2020 β€’ 28m24s

With flight capacity in South East Asia operating at -65% compared to pre-pandemic levels, the region’s tourism sector is fighting for its survival. Borders remain slammed shut and airline fleets are largely redundant. The pressure is mounting on domestic tourists to keep the industry afloat.

But despite positive stories in the national media, huge challenges exist. Consumers remain wary of taking flights even on short routes, hotels are surviving on weekend bookings, inter-state restrictions apply in some countries, and although large discounts are being offered, domestic travellers are spending cautiously.

This week, Gary and Hannah take a trip through Cambodia, Bali, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore to assess whether domestic tourism can provide a stop-gap lifeline until inbound and outbound travel resume. Listen out, too, for a gigantic clap of tropical thunder in mid-pod!

View All Episodes

Latest Episodes Catch up with the pods you may have missed

Play
20 Mar 2024 β€’ 30m22s

Ep 205: The Outlook for Travel & Tourism in Indonesia, with Pauline Suharno, ASTINDO

Indonesia is by some margin the largest country, with the largest population and largest economy, in South East Asia. It also counts a fascinating interplay between inbound and outbound travel and a vast domestic travel and tourism sector. This week, Gary and Hannah welcome back Pauline Suharno, President of ASTINDO, the Indonesian Travel Agents Association, to discuss the overall recovery in 2023, and the outlook for 2024. En route, we discuss the hot destinations for outbound tourists, the continued high cost of domestic air tickets and new travel packages for passengers jumping aboard the Whoosh high-speed rail.
Play
15 Mar 2024 β€’ 31m13s

Ep 204: The Top 8 Travel & Tourism Talking Points in South East Asia in Q1 2024

From Changi’s statistical milestone to a festive travel renaissance and Taylor Diplomacy to Thailand’s ‘Tourism Salesman’. As the end of Q1 2024 draws near, we move towards another major milestone. Nearly two years ago, on 1 April 2022, South East Asia began to fully reopen after the dark days of the pandemic. So, how has the first quarter of 2024 panned out, and what were the key takeaways? This week, Gary and Hannah assess the Top 8 travel and tourism talking points from throughout the region in the first three months of 2024.