In Brief: Asia Pacific tourism is nearing full recovery to pre-pandemic levels, with Korea and Vietnam surpassing 2019 international visitor arrivals, while growth moderates and established markets show mixed results, according to the PATA Annual Tourism Monitor 2026.
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Asia Pacific Tourism Nears Full Recovery as Korea and Vietnam Surpass 2019 Arrivals – Image Credit PATA
International Visitor Arrivals: Regional Overview
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) reports that international visitor arrivals (IVAs) in the Asia Pacific region are approaching full recovery to pre-pandemic levels. Korea (Republic of Korea, ROK) and Vietnam have recorded significant increases in IVAs, both exceeding their 2019 volumes. In 2025, Korea registered 10.7 million IVAs, up 21.4% year-on-year and reaching 128.4% of its 2019 level. Vietnam recorded 12.3 million IVAs, up 14.9% year-on-year, achieving 144.5% of its 2019 volume.
In contrast, several established markets have reported softer results. The United States recorded 27.0 million IVAs, down 1.0% year-on-year. Thailand reported 15.9 million IVAs, down 4.9% from the previous year. Other major markets, including India and Cambodia, also experienced a slowdown in arrivals in 2025.
Transition from Recovery to Growth
According to the PATA Annual Tourism Monitor 2026, the Asia Pacific tourism sector is moving beyond the initial post-pandemic rebound. The report indicates that while recovery has been achieved in many markets, the environment remains unpredictable due to ongoing disruptions such as geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, economic pressures, and changes in travel policies.
The region’s focus is shifting from restoring visitor numbers to building sustainable, resilient growth. The report highlights the need for destinations to adapt to changing traveler needs and to respond to disruptions in the global environment.
Factors Influencing Tourism Trends
Travel facilitation and connectivity continue to shape tourism trends in the region. Visa policies, air connectivity, and transportation links are identified as key factors influencing travel decisions. The report notes that changes in visa requirements or transportation options can quickly affect where travelers choose to visit.
Higher travel costs and more complicated travel procedures are also impacting demand. Destinations are encouraged to address these challenges to maintain and grow visitor numbers.
Diversification and Visitor Management
The PATA report emphasizes the importance of diversification in source markets and travel patterns. Destinations that attract visitors from a broader range of countries and encourage longer stays are better positioned to manage demand fluctuations.
For destinations that have already surpassed their 2019 visitor levels, managing visitor flows is becoming increasingly important. The report suggests encouraging travel beyond peak periods and major gateways to distribute tourism benefits more evenly and avoid congestion.
Outlook and Industry Analysis
The PATA Annual Tourism Monitor 2026 analyzes international visitor arrivals and examines the trends shaping the tourism industry as it transitions from recovery to a new growth phase. The report is available for purchase through the PATA website and is also accessible to eligible PATA members.
The findings indicate that while the Asia Pacific region has demonstrated resilience, future success will depend on adaptability, diversification, and a focus on sustainable growth. The report concludes that tourism performance will increasingly be measured by the value created for destinations, businesses, communities, and travelers, rather than by visitor numbers alone.
The report is available for purchase through the PATA website.