PATA Polls 2026
24-Jul-2026
Category: News Stories
Asia & Australasia tourism growth led by Japan, Thailand, Vietnam
On flights, 94% reported rising prices, 57% reduced availability, and 37% route changes and longer journey times, highlighting wider pressure on international travel.
One travel agent responding to the poll, Michelle Pollock at Constance Hotels & Resorts commented: “Many clients won’t entertain travelling via the Middle East, whilst some are still willing and wanting to travel to or via the region. Direct carriers such as BA & Air Mauritius have unfortunately dampened the demand for Maldives and Mauritius due to high pricing at £2500 - £3500pp in economy! At times like this we should all work together as an industry to keep consumers travelling to our destinations.” - Michelle Pollock, Constance Hotels & Resorts.
Tourism growth across Pacific Asia is being driven by strong demand in Japan, Thailand and Vietnam, boosting regional travel.
Chris Crampton, Chairman of PATA UK & Ireland, said: “Many Pacific Asia and Australasia destinations rely on the Middle East as a key travel gateway, so we wanted to understand what impact the conflict is having on enquiries and bookings, and which destinations are either suffering or seeing increased demand.”
The survey of 85 travel agents found several Pacific Asia and Australasia destinations saw elevated interest, with Japan strongest at 43% reporting a spike. Thailand stood out at 39%, while Singapore and Vietnam each saw increased demand from 32%.
On flights, 94% reported rising prices, 57% reduced availability, and 37% route changes and longer journey times, highlighting wider pressure on international travel.
One travel agent responding to the poll, Michelle Pollock at Constance Hotels & Resorts commented: “Many clients won’t entertain travelling via the Middle East, whilst some are still willing and wanting to travel to or via the region. Direct carriers such as BA & Air Mauritius have unfortunately dampened the demand for Maldives and Mauritius due to high pricing at £2500 - £3500pp in economy! At times like this we should all work together as an industry to keep consumers travelling to our destinations.” - Michelle Pollock, Constance Hotels & Resorts.
55% noted the Maldives saw a significant decrease in demand due to rising airfares and concerns around Middle East transit.
31% reported Australia, India and Malaysia gains, while Sri Lanka and New Zealand were cited by 18%.
Pacific Asia was identified by 44% as a stronger demand region, with 59% noting a boom in Europe bookings, 54% in the Caribbean, and 31% in the USA.
Some agents remain positive: “Demand has gone very quiet for all destinations…We expect demand to bounce back with last minute requests.” - Pascal August of Move Mountains Travel.
Overall, the survey is positive and indicates continued demand for Pacific Asia and Australasia, despite ongoing travel challenges.
