Southeast Asia led the world in growth of international tourism in 2013, with the region recording at 10 percent increase – the strongest gains globally according to the latest United National World Trade Organization’s (UNWTO) World Travel Barometer.
Despite global economic challenges, international tourism results were well above expectations, with an additional 52 million international tourists travelling the world in 2013. For 2014, UNWTO forecasts 4 percent to 4.5 percent growth – again, above the long term projections.
There are proven historic links between tourism and property buying. Statistics published last year estimated that as many as 5 percent of tourists will eventually buy overseas property and real estate in places where they experience an enjoyable vacation.
The good news for Southeast Asia is that the organisation is also predicting a 5-6 percent rise in international tourism for Asia and the Pacific for 2014.
In relative terms during 2013, growth was strongest globally in Asia and the Pacific, where the number of international tourists grew by 14 million to reach 248 million. South-East Asia (up 10 percent) was the best performing sub-region, while growth was comparatively more moderate in South Asia ( up 5 percent), Oceania and Northeast Asia (up 4 percent each).
Andrew Batt, International Group Editor of PropertyGuru Group,
wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories email andrew@propertyguru.com.sg
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