One Third of Leisure Travellers Say Plans Not Affected by Economy

Despite economic turbulence worldwide, the Asia Pacific tourism industry has received a welcome boost from data contained in the Visa and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Asia Pacific Travel Intentions Survey 'Determining Travel Preferences in 2009 and Beyond'.  The survey found that, of the 5,554 people surveyed, 36 percent said they did not expect to make any changes to their travel plans in the near future while 64 percent of respondents were reviewing their plans in the light of economic uncertainty. 
Among those respondents reviewing their plans, 57 per cent said they would still travel but would look for cheaper alternatives while 38 per cent said they would travel within their own country instead.  Only 36 per cent said they would postpone their travel as a result of economic uncertainty.  Meranda Chan, Visa Country Manager for Singapore and Brunei, and PATA Board Director, said: "While the global economic situation will impact tourism, it is unlikely to bring travel to a standstill. What our survey has shown is that travellers will be more creative in their selection of destinations."
Greg Duffell, President and CEO - PATA said: "The travel and tourism industry is a major employer in nearly every destination in Asia Pacific. Indeed, the top two global markets for travel and tourism employment are China (74.5 million jobs) and India (30.5 million jobs) with Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand also in the top 10.  We must never understate the importance of working with the travel industry to shape promotions and offerings that suit travelers' desires for new and economically sensitive travel options - and it's vitally important that the industry delivers innovative and creative solutions to keep these people traveling." Australians, British, Singaporeans, Indians, French and Americans were less likely than the average respondent to let economic concerns keep them from travelling. Those in Chinese Taipei, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and China were more likely than the average to have their plans affected.