The Colosseum in Rome, Italy — Credit: ENIT
ITALY, France, Switzerland, Spain and Germany were the top five long-haul destinations for South-east Asian group travellers last year, with Kuoni Group Travel Experts recording a rise of nine per cent in room nights booked.
Last year, Germany dethroned the Netherlands for a place in the top five and room nights booked in Switzerland skyrocketed 44 per cent. Meanwhile, other major European destinations such as Norway, the Czech Republic, Austria and the UK posted double-digit jumps in group travel in 2013.
The European tour operator said the 10 members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Brunei , Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – are becoming increasingly important source markets for international travel.
David Painter, chief executive of Kuoni Group Travel Experts, said: “Group travel gives ASEAN travellers the reassurance and security of native language tour guides, pre-planned meals and rooming in hotels that are best able to meet their needs, alongside itineraries that ensure they enjoy the attractions and experiences they want.”
HSBC bank has reported that the 10 countries of South-east Asia collectively account for 600 million people with a combined GDP of US$2.1 trillion.
Said Painter: “Upgraded infrastructure coupled with political and legislative commitment will help drive trade links, both within the ASEAN region but also with the rest of the world in coming years. This will in turn drive the growth of potentially millions of middle-class consumers with a greater desire and ability to travel.”
