Asian Tourism Recovery Reaches 85% of Pre-Pandemic Levels

Recovery Uneven Across the Region

International tourist arrivals across the Asia-Pacific region reached approximately 85% of 2019 pre-pandemic levels through November 2025, according to data compiled by the Pacific Asia Travel Association. The region received an estimated 540 million international visitors, compared to 636 million in the same period of 2019.

The recovery rate significantly lags Europe, which surpassed pre-pandemic visitor numbers in mid-2025, and the Middle East, which exceeded 2019 levels late last year. Asia's slower rebound reflects lingering visa complexities, reduced Chinese outbound travel, and slower airline capacity restoration.

Japan Leads the Pack

Japan emerged as the region's standout performer. The Japan National Tourism Organization reported 31.2 million visitors through November, already surpassing the full-year 2019 record of 31.9 million. The weak yen, which made Japan one of the most affordable developed destinations globally, drove the surge.

Average daily spending by foreign visitors reached 20,400 yen ($138), a 42% increase from 2019, reflecting both currency effects and a shift toward higher-spending travelers from Western markets and Southeast Asia. Tourism receipts totaled 5.8 trillion yen through October.

Southeast Asia Posts Strong Numbers

Southeast Asian nations collectively received 98 million visitors, approximately 82% of 2019 levels. Thailand led with 28.2 million arrivals (77% of pre-pandemic), followed by Vietnam at 15.8 million (96%), Singapore at 14.6 million (91%), and Indonesia at 12.4 million (78%).

Vietnam's rapid recovery reflects aggressive visa liberalization — the country extended its e-visa program to 80 countries in 2023 and increased visa-free stays to 45 days for 13 markets. Malaysian arrivals to Vietnam grew 48% year-over-year, while Korean visitor numbers increased 35%.

China Outbound Remains the Missing Piece

Chinese outbound travel, which accounted for $255 billion in spending and 155 million trips in 2019, has recovered to only about 60% of pre-pandemic levels. Through November, Chinese citizens made an estimated 95 million international trips, with Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea as the most popular destinations.

"Chinese consumers are traveling more frequently but spending less per trip," said Wolfgang Georg Arlt, founder of the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute. "The era of luxury shopping-focused group tours is giving way to independent travel and experiential tourism."

Airline Capacity Constraints

International airline seat capacity within Asia-Pacific reached 92% of 2019 levels in November, according to OAG Aviation data. However, routes connecting China with the rest of the region operated at only 68% of pre-pandemic capacity, reflecting reduced demand and limited bilateral air service agreements.

Major carriers including ANA Holdings, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific have reported strong yields on international routes, with premium-cabin revenue per available seat mile exceeding 2019 levels by 15% to 25%.

2026 Outlook

PATA projects that Asia-Pacific will reach 95% of pre-pandemic visitor levels by the end of 2026, with a full recovery expected in 2027. Key variables include the pace of Chinese outbound recovery, geopolitical stability in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, and the global economic outlook.

Several major events are expected to boost travel in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup qualification tournaments hosted across Asia, the Osaka World Expo opening in April, and Thailand's planned hosting of COP35 climate negotiations.