While 2025 saw the best year ever for the Travel & Tourism sector, with GDP growth of 4.1%, the story was very different for North America, which was the slowest-growing region globally, rising just 1%, and by only 0.9% in the US. 

80 million more people travelled internationally in 2025 than in the previous year, yet they chose different destinations. US visitor numbers declined by 5.5% compared with 2024, and international visitor spending fell by 4.6% to USD176 billion. 

While the US continues to lead in scale, contributing USD2.63 trillion to global GDP, WTTC highlights that the country is now at a crossroads in its tourism development. 

With the right actions, it has a significant opportunity to restore international visitor spending, sustain job creation, and strengthen its global leadership — particularly as competition intensifies from fast-rising markets in the Asia Pacific, such as China.

In 2025, the Travel & Tourism sector in the US supported 20.4 million jobs, up 1.2% year-on-year, and added approximately 242,000 new jobs, a positive signal for both the sector and the wider economy. Domestic visitor spending remained strong at USD1.54 trillion, up 0.3% year-on-year and 14.3% above pre-pandemic levels.

Sustaining this momentum will depend on increasing investment and promoting the US as a rebuilding force to revive international demand, changing perceptions, and ensuring the US remains competitive as a global destination.

With the country set to co-host major football events in 2026, WTTC highlights a significant and immediate opportunity. The FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US, should attract around 1.24 million international visitors, offering a powerful platform to showcase the American experience and convert visitors into promoters of travel to the US.

China, the world’s second-largest market, is rapidly gaining ground, with Travel & Tourism contributing USD1.75 trillion to GDP in 2025, up 9.9% year-on-year and supporting 84.6 million jobs (+2.0%). Both international visitor spending (up 10.5% to USD 135 billion) and domestic spending (up 10.7% to USD 890 billion) recorded strong gains.

This momentum reflects the broader strength of the Asia-Pacific region, now the fastest-growing Travel & Tourism region globally. The region’s GDP grew 8.2% in 2025 to reach USD3.29 trillion, with several markets outperforming the global average, led by Malaysia (11.2%) and the Philippines (10.8%), followed by China (9.9%), India (7.3%), and Indonesia (7.2%).

WTTC, President & CEO Gloria Guevara said: “The US remains the largest Travel & Tourism market in the world and has an amazing foundation. To avoid losing its leadership position, the US. must invest in promoting its attractiveness, both in international markets and during the summer of football; change perception and position the US as a welcoming destination; and grow international visitor spend, encouraging stopovers and new experiences.”

Chase Travel CEO Jason Wynn said: “WTTC’s latest research shows the US Travel & Tourism sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, supporting millions of jobs and driving trillions of dollars in economic growth, even amid global headwinds. With the US set to host a series of global events through 2028, we have an extraordinary opportunity to welcome new visitors and bring travellers from around the world closer together, fostering meaningful connections across countries and communities.”

”At Chase Travel, we are committed to being the go-to partner and provider for both domestic and international travel, leveraging our world-class marketplace to empower travellers, advisors, and partners to elevate every trip and drive lasting growth for the industry.” 

(Source: WTTC)

The post WTTC: US tourism at the crossroads appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Who will control travel in 2046: AI companies, governments, or the travellers themselves? What will determine value in an AI-driven industry? And will travel remain accessible to all, or become a privilege?

These questions were at the heart of the inaugural Leadership Exchange, hosted last month by Phocuswright, a leading global travel research and events company, and ITB Berlin.

The year is 2046: AI companies control global data flows, travellers rely on intelligent agents to plan and book journeys, and some destinations restrict access to combat overtourism. This is not science fiction, but one of several plausible futures envisioned by senior travel leaders during the closed-door Leadership Exchange.

The Leadership Exchange at ITB Berlin 2026, held under the Chatham House Rule, convened industry leaders in a strategic think tank format to tackle four key questions: Who owns trust? 

Where does value sit in an AI-native industry? Is travel a right or a privilege? And will the sector consolidate or fragment? Its goal: to move beyond trend narratives and provide actionable insight for businesses, governments and stakeholders navigating a period of profound transformation.

A clear narrative emerged across all discussions: artificial intelligence will dramatically reduce friction in travel, but in doing so, it will fundamentally redistribute power.

“The travel industry is entering a structural shift unlike anything we’ve seen since the early days of digitalisation,” said Messe Berlin CEO Dr Mario Tobias. “With the Leadership Exchange, we created a space where decision-makers don’t just discuss the future but actively shape it. The choices we make now around trust, data and value creation will define the industry for decades to come.”

Download the complete Executive Brief 2026

The complete Executive Brief 2026, including all insights and strategic implications, is available for download

Trust becomes the new currency

In a world mediated by AI, trust is no longer anchored to a single player. Instead, it becomes fragmented and more valuable than ever. Built through countless micro-interactions and human signals such as user-generated content, trust must be actively designed into every step of the customer journey.

At the same time, multiple AI-driven booking channels risk blurring accountability, increasing the likelihood of “catastrophic” trust failures in the near term.

“Trust is not an algorithm. There’s no single recipe, and in the future, not only companies, but also consumers will be assessed on whether they can be trusted,” said Sunweb Group CEO Mieke De Schepper.

AI shifts value, and challenges brands

As AI agents take over search and discovery, personalisation emerges as the industry’s greatest opportunity. Travel experiences will be tailored in real time, based on deep data insights and individual preferences.

However, this shift comes with a cost: traditional intermediaries may lose relevance, and even strong brands could see their influence erode as the “source of truth” becomes the key differentiator.

“By 2029, discovery as we know it today will almost disappear. The real value will sit with personal agents that act on our behalf,” said T2Impact principal Timothy O’Neil-Dunne.

Access to travel grows, and divides

While technology could make travel more seamless and inclusive, structural tensions remain. Easier mobility may foster more open and connected societies, but also intensify overtourism and strain infrastructure.

At the same time, economic inequality, geopolitics, and regulation will increasingly determine who can travel, turning mobility into a privilege for some rather than a universal right.

“To control immigration and overtourism, travel is becoming more of a privilege. Countries will either visa their way out of tourism or price people out,” said Protect Group global strategy lead Stephen Joyce.

Fragmentation vs consolidation: an open question

AI has the potential to empower smaller players through hyper-personalisation, enabling niche providers to reach highly targeted audiences. At the same time, control over data could lead to powerful monopolies.

Despite differing perspectives, participants agreed that the next three years will be decisive: choices made now on data ownership, trust frameworks and technological integration will shape the industry’s trajectory for decades to come. As one participant put it, the future of travel is not to be predicted, but actively shaped.

Additional information is available at www.itb.com and from the ITB News & Insights & Social Media.

(Source: ITB Berlin)

The post Who will own travel in 2046? appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Chiang Mai, Thailand*

Chiang Mai is not just about temples and mountains; it’s also a burgeoning nightlife destination. The city offers a mix of traditional Thai bars and modern cocktail lounges, making it a perfect spot for those looking to explore a different side of Thailand. Visitors can enjoy a night out in the bustling Nimmanhaemin area, where creativity and culture blend seamlessly with the nightlife.

*Warning: Chiang Mai, Thailand, ranked as the most polluted major city globally, on 26 March 2026. Smog continues to plague the destination. 27 March, 2026: Chiang Mai among top 10 most polluted cities in the world. 

Osaka, Japan

Known for its culinary delights, Osaka is also gaining fame for its eclectic bar scene. From hidden speakeasies to bustling izakayas, the city offers a diverse range of drinking spots. Visitors can enjoy local sake and craft cocktails while soaking in the energetic vibe of this Japanese city. The Dotonbori district, with its neon lights and lively atmosphere, provides a unique backdrop for an unforgettable bar-hopping experience.

Da Nang, Vietnam

Da Nang is quickly becoming a favourite for nightlife seekers. The city’s bar scene is a blend of beachfront bars with stunning views and cosy pubs with live music. The dynamic atmosphere and affordable drinks make it an attractive destination for those looking to experience Vietnam’s nightlife. The Han River area, with its vibrant night markets and riverside bars, offers a picturesque setting for a night of exploration and enjoyment.

Nagoya, Japan

Nagoya offers a unique bar-hopping experience with its mix of traditional and contemporary bars. The city’s vibrant districts are hubs for nightlife, where visitors can enjoy local beers and cocktails in a lively setting. Nagoya’s blend of history and modernity provides a distinctive backdrop for a night out. The Sakae district, known for its entertainment options and bustling nightlife, is a must-visit for those seeking a diverse and exciting bar scene.

Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Island’s nightlife is as diverse as its natural beauty. The island boasts a variety of bars, from chic lounges to quirky themed bars. With a friendly local crowd and a wide selection of drinks, Jeju Island is an exciting destination for those looking to explore South Korea’s vibrant bar scene. The Seogwipo area, with its coastal charm and unique bar offerings, provides a refreshing escape for travellers seeking a blend of relaxation and excitement.

Agoda Regional Director, North Asia, Jay Lee, shared: “Across Asia, more and more cities are redefining nightlife on their own terms, and offering visitors the best of post-sunset adventures. Agoda is thrilled to spotlight these destinations, offering travellers a chance to explore new and exciting bar-hopping experiences across a range of locales in the region.”

(Source: Agoda)

The post Agoda presents favourite bar-hopping cities appeared first on TTR Weekly.

However, in light of the evolving geopolitical crisis and hostilities in the Middle East, the outlook also considers a lower-bound scenario in which international visitor arrivals could reach 599.7 million by 2028, representing approximately an 88% recovery from 2019 levels.

“International tourism is entering a more complex phase where growth continues, but under increasing pressure,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “At PATA, we recognise both sides of the equation — the positive momentum driven by strong regional demand, and the downside risks arising from geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and climate-related disruptions.

“In this environment, growth is no longer linear or guaranteed. Destinations and organisations must be prepared for multiple scenarios, able to adapt quickly, recalibrate strategies, and respond with agility. Decision-making must be grounded in real-time data and a clear understanding of risk.

“Ultimately, resilience and preparedness will define how well the industry navigates this next phase of uncertainty.”

The report was developed in partnership with the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre at SHTM PolyU, with additional contributions from PATA destination members and regional data partners. It offers inbound visitor forecasts for 39 Asia-Pacific destinations, providing a detailed analysis that reflects the diversity of recovery and potential growth across regions and sub-regions. 

Drawing on current data and scenario-based modelling, the study outlines a period of structurally constrained and uneven growth shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, climate-related disruptions, evolving aviation and visa policies, and rapid digital and AI-driven transformation across the tourism economy.

In addition to the regional outlook, individual destination reports have also been published for all 39 covered destinations, each providing detailed market-specific projections and localised analysis.

Highlights from the report

Ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts continue to pose downside risks to travel demand and cross-border mobility.

Destinations are encouraged to diversify source markets and strengthen public–private collaboration to build greater resilience.

China, the United States, and Türkiye are projected to remain the top three destinations through 2028.

China, Hong Kong SAR, the United States, and Korea (ROK) continue to rank among the region’s leading source markets, despite ongoing air capacity and cost pressures.

Japan and Hong Kong SAR show notable improvement in destination rankings in the post-pandemic period.

Mongolia, Japan, Chile, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka are leading recovery performance, each exceeding 150% of their 2019 levels.

By 2028, 27 of the 39 destinations covered in the forecast are expected to surpass their pre-pandemic arrival volumes.

The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026–2028 is now available. Based on the level of membership, access may be granted either directly through the PATA Info Hub or via the PATA Publications using a discount code. 

To request the code or to confirm membership-level access, contact the PATA Membership Team at membership@PATA.org.

Additionally, detailed data and projections related to the lower bound forecast are available upon request for eligible members. Members in this group may contact the PATA Project Management Department at pm@PATA.org for more information and to request access.

Non-members can purchase the reports at PATA Publications by visiting the following link: www.pata.org/research-q1v63g6n2dw/p/asia-pacific-visitor-forecasts-2026-2028

The full recording can be accessed via the following link: www.pata.org/calendar/asia-pacific-tourism-outlook-20262028-growth-under-global-uncertainty

For further information, visit www.PATA.org.

(Source: PATA)

The post Global tourism encounters extreme headwinds appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Backed by EF Adventures and CBI, Asia’s outbound “Open to Adventure” travel segment represents an estimated USD424 billion market, nearly one-third of the world’s total adventure travel economy.

Based on the latest research, 72% of Asia’s international outbound travellers fall into the “Open to Adventure” category, which means they’re willing to incorporate cultural exploration, nature-based experiences, and active discovery into their trips, even when adventure is not the primary motivator. These findings challenge long-standing perceptions of Asian travellers and highlight a growing preference for more immersive and meaningful travel.

“Adventure travel in Asia is no longer about a single activity or adrenaline-driven pursuit,” said ATTA Director of Research and Knowledge Heather Kelly. “What we’re seeing instead is a large and diverse audience that is open to discovering destinations through culture, landscapes, and meaningful experiences. That openness dramatically expands the opportunity for destinations and tourism businesses.”

The report also underscores the economic impact of this market. On average, Asian travellers spend approximately USD366 per night and more than USD2,200 per trip, with a significant portion of that spend benefiting local businesses, guides, and community-based tourism experiences.

“The Asian outbound traveller is incredibly curious,” said ATTA’s President Gustavo Timo. “They’re looking for experiences that feel meaningful, whether that’s exploring landscapes, connecting with local culture, or discovering new perspectives. Destinations that design journeys around those elements will resonate strongly with this audience.”

Travellers’ interest in sustainable and responsible tourism is rising, demonstrating a growing preference for locally owned businesses, community-focused cultural experiences, and destinations that prioritise environmental stewardship.

“Sustainability is increasingly intertwined with how travellers define a meaningful trip,” said ATTA Regional Director for APAC Hannah Pearson

“When you look at a USD424 billion adventure-oriented travel market coming out of Asia, the trends become clear: Travellers want authentic cultural experiences, nature-based exploration, and opportunities to travel in ways that feel responsible and enriching.”

Globally, outbound adventure travel is valued at USD1.6 trillion, with Asia playing a significant role in that growth. As Asian travellers continue to seek immersive, culturally rich, and sustainable

experiences, understanding this evolving mindset may be key to capturing one of the most dynamic travel markets of the next decade.

For more information about the ATTA, visit www.adventuretravel.biz. 

(Source: ATTA)

The post Asians ready to embrace adventure travel appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The report by the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) and Pear Anderson showed that inbound operators in particular were pessimistic about future enquiries, with 74% of inbound travel businesses much gloomier about prospects than at the start of the year, compared with 50% of outbound travel businesses.

Singaporean travel businesses were the most pessimistic overall, with two-thirds (67%) expecting enquiries in Q2 2026 to be worse than what they expected at the start of the year, compared to 64% in Malaysia, 54% in Indonesia, 50% in the Philippines, and 43% in Thailand.

Almost three-quarters (72%) of outbound travel businesses reported at least some postponements and cancellations for trips to the Middle East, 70% to Europe, and 58% to other regions, demonstrating that the impact on travel was beyond connectivity.

As for a potential redirection of outbound travel flows, 64% of businesses believed Southeast Asia would benefit, followed by East Asia (47%) and Europe and Central Asia (24%). Thai travel businesses were the most confident that Europe would see growth in interest (56%), likely due to the higher number of direct flights to Europe already operating to Thailand, whilst the Philippines saw a greater chance of travel interest being redirected to domestic travel (30%).

For inbound travel businesses, 54% have received cancellations for May, with the number sharply decreasing for cancellations received in June (21%), and just 3% seeing cancellations from October and onwards, a sign that travellers are taking a wait-and-see approach. 62% of businesses reported that some trips were postponed or cancelled by Middle East travellers, with a higher share (67%) among travellers from Europe, signalling the significant role that Middle East transit hubs play in facilitating inbound travel to the ASEAN region.

Fuel price increases, leading to higher airfares, as well as fuel shortages in general, remain a concern for Southeast Asian travel businesses, who noted their impact on inbound operations in-destination and their potential knock-on impact on travellers’ purchasing power in the medium-term.

“The high percentage who believe that travel will be redirected to Southeast Asia confirms that we must work together as one ASEAN to support our tourism and travel ecosystem,” said ASEANTA President Eddy Soemawilaga. “Travel businesses commenting on the current situation were quick to point to the overall resilience of the Southeast Asian travel industry, and that they believed traveller demand would recover once the situation stabilises.”

“There is no denying that travel businesses, whether outbound or inbound, are suffering at the moment,” stated Hannah Pearson, director at Pear Anderson. “Whilst on the face of it the lack of transit flights to the Middle East is immediately impacting flows both in and out of the region, ASEAN has an opportunity to present itself as an alternative transit hub between Australia and Europe, potentially opening up more direct flight routes – and new opportunities.”

To read the full report, visit: https://www.pearanderson.com/insights/2026/03/the-impact-of-the-middle-east-conflict-on-the-southeast-asian-travel-industry/

About ASEANTA
The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) was founded in 1971 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to the development and promotion of tourism within the ASEAN region. It was formed through collaboration between the private and public tourism sectors of several ASEAN countries.

About Pear Anderson
Pear Anderson is a boutique consultancy firm specialising in Southeast Asian tourism. It partners with organisations across the spectrum of tourism-related organisations to build a lasting foundation in these markets, providing sales representation, unique insights, research, and training. The global Muslim travel segment is a core specialisation, and Pear Anderson provides insight and access to it.

For more information, visit Pear Anderson. 

(Source: ASEANTA)

The post ASEAN tourism demonstrates resilience appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The market update compiled by C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett indicates the island’s airport is currently operating at 39% above capacity, handling approximately 17.4 million passengers in 2025, with major upgrades planned through Phase II expansion and the proposed Andaman International Airport.

New zoning reforms and integrated developments are transforming key areas such as Bangtao into more structured urban clusters. Together, these changes signal Phuket’s transition from a resort-driven island toward a more institutionalised tourism market.

Against this backdrop, Phuket’s demand profile is diversifying. Total arrivals reached 8.8 million in 2025 despite a 44% decline in Chinese visitors, reflecting a combination of Thai baht appreciation, shifting travel sentiment, and increased competition from alternative destinations such as Japan and Vietnam. This has accelerated the diversification of source markets, with Russia remaining the largest contributor, while India and South Korea recorded the strongest growth.

The impact of this shift is evident in hotel performance. Average daily rates rose by 5% while occupancy declined by 6%, indicating that rate growth is being sustained rather than driven by broad-based demand expansion. At a submarket level, luxury enclaves such as Surin and Mai Khao continue to command rate premiums. At the same time, Patong remains volume-driven, reinforcing the widening gap between yield-focused and mass-market locations.

Looking ahead, Phuket is entering a supply-driven expansion cycle. With 41 new hotel projects and over 8,000 keys in the pipeline, new supply is concentrated in integrated lifestyle destinations such as Bangtao/Cherngtalay. 

At the same time, tighter enforcement of unlicensed accommodations is expected to rebalance the competitive landscape. As infrastructure improves and regulatory oversight strengthens, Phuket’s growth trajectory in 2026 is expected to normalise, with long-term performance increasingly dependent on product differentiation and the ability to capture evolving regional travel demand.

To download and read the C9 Hotelworks Hotel & Tourism Market Update 2026, CLICK.

(Source: C9 Hotelworks)

The post New Phuket Hotel & Tourism Update appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Under the mid‑range scenario, demand is forecast to reach 20.8 trillion revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), based on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% (2024-2050) from the 9 trillion RPKs seen in 2024.

A higher-growth scenario would see a 3.3% CAGR, with passenger demand reaching 21.9 trillion RPKs in 2050. A lower-growth scenario would see a 2.9% CAGR, with passenger demand reaching 19.5 trillion RPKs by 2050.

The different scenarios are driven by alternative modelling of long-term economic growth, populations, aviation fuel price trends, the global energy transition, and air transport supply-side capacity development.

“The outlook for air travel is positive. People want to travel and, under all our modelled scenarios, the demand to fly is expected to more than double by mid-century. That is good news for global economic and social development because aviation growth will catalyse opportunities, including jobs worldwide, said ATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

 “Our Long-Term Demand report gives governments, industry, and energy suppliers a robust basis for long‑term planning. It underscores the need for policy frameworks to support key success enablers such as efficient infrastructure development, market access facilitation, regulatory harmonisation, and an effective clean energy transition”.

Regional Outlook: Growth concentrated in emerging markets

The pace of growth will be uneven across regions, reflecting differences in demographics, market maturity, economic development, and connectivity potential. Under the mid‑range scenario, Asia‑Pacific and Africa are expected to be the fastest‑growing regions over 2024-2050, with CAGRs of 3.8% and 3.6%, respectively. Europe and North America are projected to grow more slowly, at 2.5% and 2.8%.

The LTDP identifies the fastest‑growing markets as intra‑Africa (4.9%), Africa–Asia‑Pacific (4.5%), Asia‑Pacific–Middle East (3.9%), intra‑Asia‑Pacific (3.9%), and Africa–North America (3.8%), highlighting the importance of investment in aviation infrastructure and regulatory frameworks in developing regions. By contrast, several Europe-centred markets have the slowest growth.

Long-term global trends

The LTDP confirms that the COVID‑19 pandemic caused a permanent structural shift in global aviation demand. Unlike previous crises, the unprecedented collapse in RPK has created a persistent gap that is not expected to converge back to the pre-pandemic GDP-aligned trend by 2050, even under the high‑growth scenario.

While long‑term demand remains robust, the growth rate is moderating gradually. Historical analysis shows that average annual growth slowed from a 6.1% CAGR between 1972 and 1998 to a 4.5% CAGR between 1998 and 2024. The central scenario for 2024-2050 projects a further slowing to 3.1% CAGR. This gradual moderation reflects market maturity rather than weakening demand, as absolute passenger numbers continue to rise significantly.

For more information, visit:  1 IATA Long-Term Air Transport Passenger Demand Projections. 

(Source: IATA)

The post Air travel demand should double by 2050 appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The Middle East plays a vital role in global travel, accounting for 5% of international arrivals and 14% of international transit traffic. Any disruption affects demand worldwide, which in turn impacts airports and flights, hotels, car hire companies, and cruise lines.

The major regional aviation hubs — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain — which together normally process around 526,000 passengers per day, have experienced closures and operational disruption as the conflict escalates, significantly affecting regional and global connectivity.

WTTC’s analysis is based on its 2026 pre-conflict forecast for the Middle East, which projected USD207 billion in international visitor spending across the region this year. Any disruption to travel flows, therefore, quickly translates into substantial economic impact across the tourism ecosystem.

Despite the current challenges, WTTC emphasises that Travel & Tourism is one of the world’s most resilient economic sectors.

WTTC research on previous crises shows that tourism demand can recover in as little as two months following security-related incidents when governments and industry act quickly to restore traveller confidence.

World Travel & Tourism Council, President & CEO Gloria Guevara said: “Travel & Tourism is the most resilient of sectors. The impact of international visitor spending across the Middle East is significant, averaging around USD600 million per day. Still, history shows that the sector can recover quickly, especially when governments support travellers with hotel subsidies or repatriation assistance. Our analysis of previous crises demonstrates that security-related incidents often see the fastest tourism recovery times, in some cases as quickly as two months, when governments and industry work together to restore traveller confidence. WTTC commends governments that have worked tirelessly in recent days to support recovery efforts.

“Clear communication, strong coordination between the public and private sectors, and measures that reinforce safety and stability are critical to rebuilding trust with travellers and supporting the sector’s recovery.”

WTTC, which represents the private sector, is continuing to monitor developments on behalf of its members and remains in close contact with governments and industry leaders to support the safety of travellers and the resilience of the global Travel & Tourism sector.

About WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global private-sector voice of the Travel & Tourism industry. Its members include chief executives of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies, spanning airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators and technology firms. WTTC champions the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP, employment, exports and wider societal benefits, helping shape policies, raise awareness, and foster public-private collaboration.

(Source: WTTC)

The post WTTC forecasts financial fallout on Middle East tourism appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Ao Nang Beach in Krabi, southern Thailand, topped the searches, increasing by over 400% for travel searches linked to China’s Golden Week, which ran from 15 to 23 February.

Tourism data from China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) showed that the holiday season generated 17.796 million cross-border trips, with the average daily number of trips rising 10.1% year-on-year to 1.977 million.

Top search destinations in Thailand among Chinese travellers for the Lunar New Year 2026 (Year-on-Year increase in search volume).

• Ao Nang Beach, Krabi: 407.59%
• Ko Samed, Rayong: 319.41%
• Ko Lipe, Satun: 274.42%
• Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan: 262.23%
• Chiang Mai: 234.73%
• Kata Beach, Phuket: 232.66%
• Karon Beach, Phuket: 88.03%
• Patong Beach, Phuket: 110.53%
• Bangkok: 75.19%
• Phuket Town: 71.23%

(Source: Booking.com)

The post Ao Nang Krabi tops Booking.com searches appeared first on TTR Weekly.