The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) gathered for its 37th meeting of the Commission for Asia and the Pacific (CAP) on April 15 in Jakarta, Indonesia, concluding the event on April 16.
This assembly, which included representatives from 17 nations, ran parallel to UN Tourism’s 17th meeting for the Commission for South Asia.
According to reports, tourism in Asia and the Pacific is rebounding to pre-pandemic levels; 316 million international arrivals were recorded in 2024, representing 87% of numbers seen before the pandemic. Notably, the Maldives experienced the strongest recovery, with a 20% increase in tourist arrivals compared to 2019, while South Asia’s recovery rate reached 92%.
Key Findings:
- Investment in Sustainability: Between 2018 and 2024, the region attracted over 640 new projects in tourism amounting to approximately $66 billion, highlighting a third of global tourism investment.
- Education Initiatives: A master’s program in Tourism Management developed with Beijing International Studies University offers 15 fully funded scholarships annually.
In his closing remarks, Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized that “Our shared priorities will lay the foundations for a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector for Asia and the Pacific.” He noted the importance of youth and technological innovation in shaping the future of tourism in the region.
