Regional arrivals near 2019 levels
International visitor arrivals across 44 Asia-Pacific destinations reached 239 million during early reporting periods of 2026, according to PATA figures reported by Travel Daily News Asia. That was 2.9% higher than in the equivalent periods of 2025 and represented 96.3% of comparable 2019 volumes. The periods and geographic coverage vary, so the result is not directly comparable with the region’s full-year 2025 total of 700.2 million arrivals across 46 destinations.
Destination results were mixed. South Korea recorded 10.7 million international visitors, up 21.4% year on year and equivalent to 128.4% of its comparable 2019 level. Vietnam received 12.3 million, a 14.9% increase and 144.5% of its corresponding 2019 volume. Thailand’s 15.9 million arrivals represented a 4.9% year-on-year decline. PATA’s Annual Tourism Monitor 2026 was released on 22 October.
Singapore signs three-year Booking.com agreement
The Singapore Tourism Board and Booking.com have signed their first three-year memorandum of understanding, TTG Asia reported. The partnership is intended to increase visitor arrivals, tourism spending and length of stay through joint campaigns spanning accommodation, flights, attractions and experiences.
Planned work includes targeting new and returning visitors, encouraging long-haul stopover passengers to visit Singapore and promoting longer stays. Booking.com will also work with merchants on tourism products and targeted promotions. The organisations plan to share insights on travel patterns, seasonal demand and visitor preferences, while Booking.com is expected to participate in Singapore Tourism Board initiatives focused on sustainable tourism practices and case studies.