I REGION I ASIA I Asia's
I REGION I ASIA I Asia's strong presence at ITB Berlin 2024 a sign of tourism recovery Asia tourism is gathering momentum Asia tourism recovery was behind the rest of the world in 2023 due to the late reopening of countries. However, Asia tourism is now gathering momentum and should experience a very promising 2024. According to UN Tourism, Asia and the Pacific reached 65% of prepandemic levels last year. However, 233.4 million international tourists to Asia/ Oceania performance among sub-regions was mixed: South Asia outperformed other Asian sub-regions by reaching 87% of pre-pandemic levels, followed by Southeast Asia at 70% of 2019 figures and North-East Asia at 55%. Oceania tourism reached 74% of 2019 figures, due to the strong performance of Fiji, New Caledonia and Samoa 41.8% Southeast Asia accounted for 41.8% of tourism to Asia in 2023 With UN Tourism predicting the unleashing of remaining pentup demand with increased air connectivity, Asian markets and destinations are expected to reach a full recovery by the end of 2024. The strong presence of Asia Pacific countries and regions at ITB Berlin 2024 underlines this uptrend. Hall 5.2a is fully booked this year, with New Zealand and Australia's stands significantly larger than in 2023. The reopened Hall 10.2 welcomes Central Asian destinations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. In the Asia Hall (Hall 26), for the first time since the pandemic, China has its own stand and numerous new coexhibitors such as Chengdu. Trade visitors can also meet with Mongolia, Malaysia, Laos, Korea, Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and many other countries Halls 5.2 / 10.2 / 26a & 26b 22 ITB BERLIN NEWS • WEDNESDAY 6 TH MARCH 2024 news.itb.com
I REGION I ASIA I Malaysia unveils a world of unique ecocultural adventures at ITB Berlin 2024 Tourism Malaysia is introducing an array of distinctive travel packages at ITB Berlin this year, spotlighting the nation's vast and varied niche tourism offers. This comes on the heels of an impressive year in 2023, with the nation greeting upwards of 20.1 million visitors, marking a significant revival in its tourism industry. The latest figures on tourist arrivals highlight a substantial recovery, particularly from German-speaking regions, showcasing growing interest in Malaysia's unique experiences. 2023 numbers showed that 125,987 Germans visited Malaysia, followed by 22,312 travellers from Switzerland and 10,842 from Austria. These numbers indicate a recovery rate of approximately 90% for the German-speaking market compared to the same period in 2019. Malaysia stands out as one of the 17 megadiverse countries globally, thanks to its abundant flora and fauna. It has become a premier choice for eco-tourism enthusiasts, given its rich biodiversity and natural attractions. Particularly characteristic of the jungle area are the proboscis monkeys and the rafflesia, the largest species of flower in the world. On the Malaysian peninsula travellers can explore the Taman Negara National Park, a rainforest around 130 million years old and home to one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet. Through its participation in ITB Berlin 2024, Malaysia affirms its commitment to enriching its tourism landscape, promising visitors from around the globe a range of unique and diverse experiences MALAYSIA LAUNCHES FOUR NEW NICHE TOURISM PACKAGES AT ITB BERLIN 2024 Tourism Malaysia is launching four new niche tourism packages at ITB Berlin 2024 in an effort to diversify its tourism offerings in the sectors of geotourism, ecotourism, archaeotourism and community tourism as well as diving. Pulau Pinang & Kedah Archaeotourism & Geotourism Packages: These packages offer trips to UNESCO World Heritage sites and in-depth exploration of the regions’ archaeological history. Perlis Ecotourism Packages: These packages present Perlis as a destination ripe for ecotourism, with activities such as cave explorations, kayaking, and stargazing on offer. Sarawak Delta Geopark & Gawai Packages: These packages illustrate Malaysia’s commitment to ecotourism and the preservation of its natural landscapes. Dive into the Unimaginable Packages: These packages highlight Malaysia as a top- Perlis fisherman Sarawak Bako Nationalpark tier destination for underwater exploration, with its untouched marine ecosystems offering unmatched experiences for divers of every skill level Hall 26a / Stand 117 ITB BERLIN NEWS • WEDNESDAY 6 TH MARCH 2024 23
