Asia's Short Haul Travel Increasing
Given the current rise of airlift into Phuket by the LCC's (low cost carriers) its clear that a dramatic increase in regional travel is taking place. Leading internet booking engine Expedia has released figures showing that lower prices for both hotel and airline tickets are spurring growth.
Airfares in Asia have reduced by 25% with the knock on effect of hotels now lowering rates substantially to focus on volume in the continued recession. With the booking engine now achieving over 57 million room nights last year, Asia Pacific is now hitting over 30% in regional room night traffic.
Looking at the dynamics of Thailand and it's value proposition for Japan the destination came in 2nd, while toping the table for the European Union and finishing 3rd for North American travelers. Other leading competitors to the country were Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea.