Register to get 1 free article
Reveal the article below by registering for our email newsletter.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
A triple-digit growth in the number of tourists from Asia has helped drive a “significant” rise in hotel demand from international visitors, according to new data from Expedia Group.
The online travel company said demand from six countries in Asia – Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand – had more than doubled year-on-year.
The latest figures for the fourth quarter of 2015 – October through December – showed that visits from Malaysia led the growth, with UK stays up nearly 230% compared with the same period last year.
Increased demand from Thailand (up almost 180%) and Japan (up more than 155%) also fueled hotel demand.
Hotel bookings from the USA increased by 20%, with visitors paying an average of £150 for their room, while hotel reservations from New Zealand were up by 90%.
In the UK, Edinburgh and Glasgow enjoyed strong finishes to 2015, with package growth up nearly 30% and 40%, respectively. However, it was Aberdeen that saw the strongest growth, with bookings up almost 70% compared to the same period in 2014.
Meanwhile, Expedia said demand patterns suggest that the Rugby World Cup also helped boost trade in the regions with host cities, such as Newcastle-upon-Tyne (up more than 50%), Exeter (up 40%) and Gloucester (up almost 60%) seeing a significant year-on-year increase.
Isabelle Pinson, senior director of market management for the UK & Ireland, said: “Expedia’s latest data shows strong triple-digit growth from across six of Asia’s leading countries, which is phenomenal.
“Following a successful summer, Scotland has enjoyed a great 2015. We’re no longer just seeing demand for popular cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, but Aberdeen too. It’s hugely encouraging to see increased demand for emerging destinations within the UK.”
