Asia Destinations Look to Indian Tourists as Chinese Remain Home
Photo Credit: One & Only Reethi Rah sandbank experience: Ease of entry, safety perceptions, uncrowded are among factors why India is now Maldives' top international market. Kerzner International
Skift Take
Destinations were counting on China as the Asian market that will drive tourism recovery. Increasingly, however, their attention is shifting to India, which may be smaller than China, but mighty in its own way.
India is being seen as the next wellspring of Asian tourists as the hopes that China will drive a tourism recovery anytime soon look more distant the day.
China's state council has advised citizens not to travel during the Lunar New Year peak holiday season next month as the country battles its worst resurgence in coronavirus cases. The call sees local governments and companies giving people cash bonuses, shopping vouchers, movie tickets, free entry to local attractions and other incentives for them to stay put.
Domestic tourism, which boomed with 660 million tourists during the National Day Golden Week holiday last October, is sure to be affected. As will Macau, the only destination where mainland Chinese don’t have to quarantine for 14 days on return. Other destinations outside China, which are hoping for a small “big migration” of Chinese tourists going abroad this year, starting from February, can dream on.
What's more, anti-China sentiments due to the pandemic and g
