Asia Pacific to See 813 Million International Travelers a Year by 2027

The Pacific Asia Travel Association released the latest Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027, prepared in collaboration with the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The highlights include that international visitor arrivals, under the medium scenario, to Asia Pacific are projected to reach 813.7 million by 2027. There were 648.1 million arrivals in 2024. The association expects China to reclaim its position as the leading inbound destination in the region by 2027. Mongolia, Türkiye, Sri Lanka and Japan are projected to lead in recovery rates, surpassing their pre-pandemic visitor numbers. PATA believes the Asia Pacific tourism landscape will continue to be shaped by economic shifts, geopolitical factors and technological advancements. Currently, outbound travel growth is being driven by the rising middle class in India and Southeast Asia, along with increased adoption of digital payment platforms and social-media-driven travel inspiration.

The Philippines Dept. of Tourism believes the newly implemented Value-Added Tax Refund for Non-Resident Tourists law will significantly enhance the country’s tourism sector. The legislation established a VAT refund system enabling non-resident tourists to reclaim VAT on local purchases amounting to at least PHP 3,000. The goods must be physically taken out of the country within 60 days of purchase. The DOT believes this makes the Philippines a more attractive shopping destination and also stimulates economic growth by encouraging increased tourist spending.

Thailand believes it will become Asia’s leading destination for senior tourism and long-term retirement living as leading hospitality, healthcare, and real estate firms are investing in tailored travel experiences, wellness tourism, and residential care communities to meet the needs of senior travelers and retirees. Statistics show 20% of its 66 million people in the country are already over 60 and a further 16 million are set to join them within the next two decades. Senior tourism is a natural extension of Thailand’s existing strengths in medical and wellness tourism.

If Thailand did the locals thing correctly in the Entertainment Casino Complexes bill, it would just add to the attractiveness for senior tourism. April 9 is when the debate is supposed to start on the entertainment complex bill, with the $1.5 million bank deposit requirement for locals being the biggest issue we see that could hold back the country from being in the top 4 in Asia for best casino markets. Winna Media released the Thai Entertainment Complex Market Share Status Report Spring/Summer 2025. In the report they named Melco Resorts, MGM and Galaxy Entertainment as the key players interested in a license with Las Vegas Sands, Genting Singapore and Wynn Resorts also expressing interest. Once again, all this is just talk and we can tell you from 31 years of experience that if the Thailand government leaves that $1.5 million bank deposit requirement in there, the market will never even get close to its potential, just like Vietnam and South Korea which also has government stubbornness that has kept the big players away as those markets do nothing but create losses for their participants.

Minor International has rebranded the Centara Ceysands as NH Bentota Ceysands Resort, the first NH hotel to be established in Sri Lanka. The 4 star resort has 165 rooms and suites, five dining venues, a spa, beachfront infinity pool, wedding venue and more.

BWH Hotels has brought its Best Western brand to Port Lincoln in South Australia. The hotel was formerly the Hilton Beachfront Motel. Port Lincoln is 280km west of Adelaide. The rebranded Best Western Port Lincoln features 45 refurbished rooms with direct beach access. The property has a dedicated conference space for business events and group bookings, with the hotel said to be suited for business retreats.

The Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long, a renowned 5-star hotel with over 1,000 rooms, will cease operating in Ha Long City in Vietnam, effective today. The hotel was developed by DOJILAND Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd. They had signed a five-year management contract with the Best Western hotel group. With the expiration of that contract, the property was returned to DOJILAND for reevaluation and the development of a new business strategy. The hotel is part of a high-end condominium complex with 1,005 units.

The Ascott Limited, a unit of CapitaLand Investment, unveiled plans for the opening of Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection. The premium resort complex was developed by Van Phu – Invest Group and is managed by Ascott. The premium resort complex is set to welcome its first guests on April 26. The property includes boutique hotel rooms, private villas with amenities that celebrate art, music, culture and gastronomy. With this Ascott continues to expand its footprint in Vietnam with several more properties in the pipeline.

Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts Sdn Bhd recently purchased Crown Regency Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur. The Edge reported Holiday Villa acquired 82% of the strata units within the 31-story building for an undisclosed amount from a sole vendor who has not been identified. The remaining units are owned by individuals. The Crown Regency will be rebranded as Holiday Villa Hotel and Residence Kuala Lumpur, slated to open this year.

Melco International Development Ltd., the parent of casino company Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd., confirmed the City of Dreams Sri Lanka in Colombo is set to open in the third quarter of 2025. The Sri Lankan government granted the casino license which is effective from April 1, 2024, and is good for 20 years. The US$1 billion City of Dreams Sri Lanka project is a partnership between John Keells Holding Plc and Melco Resorts. This will be the first integrated resort in Sri Lanka and South Asia with 800 hotel rooms, retail spaces, food and beverage outlets, MICE facilities and, of course, the casino. The partnership is transforming the former Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort into City of Dreams Sri Lanka.