Asia-Pacific a ‘laggard’ in air travel recovery
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged Asia-Pacific to prep for the anticipated surge in traffic.
It also called for policy support for decarbonisation efforts.
“The last three years have been extremely challenging. Asian airlines in particular, were hit hard, accounting for about a third of the industry’s losses,” said Conrad Clifford, IATA’s SVP.
“With the region finally emerging from Covid-19, governments have a key role to play in accelerating the recovery.”
Clifford was speaking at the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines’ (AAPA) Assembly of Presidents in Bangkok.
“Asia has been a laggard. It was only around April this year that positive momentum was seen in Asia. That is why international passenger demand in September was only at 41.5%,” said Clifford.
North American carriers led the way at 89% of 2019 levels.
“Asia-Pacific governments can accelerate the recovery. There is no reason why we cannot travel as we did before the pandemic.”
The recovery will be held back as long as China remains closed to international travel, Clifford says.
Ray Monty
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025