At the prestigious World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Trip.com Group’s CEO Jane Sun seized the opportunity to reveal insights into Malaysia and Asia’s biggest untapped tourism opportunities. Speaking at the panel discussion titled “Asia – the world’s next growth anchor?” alongside influential figures from various sectors, Sun expressed optimism about Asia’s continued growth and its investment potential.
With major leaders from government, business, and civil society gathering to discuss principles for building trust in a world of uncertainties, the panel, moderated by Mr. Ben Hung of Standard Chartered Bank, delved into the exciting opportunities and challenges emerging in Asia. Alongside Sun were Mr. Geoff Lee of Khazanah Nasional, Mr. Roy Gori of Manulife, and Mr. Ben Hung.
As global tourism approaches full recovery, Trip.com Group observed robust booking interest in Asia, with Thailand, Japan, and South Korea ranking among the top travel destinations.
The rise in consumer income has led to growing trends in high-quality wellness experiences and event tourism, particularly for sought-after events like concerts and music festivals.
Sustainable tourism is gaining traction, with more than 16 million Trip.com Group customers opting for low-carbon travel options, aligning with environmental awareness.
The group prioritised options such as the rental of electronic vehicles and offering flights with lower carbon emissions.
Jane Sun emphasised that China offers more investment opportunities than perceived, especially in the travel, wellness, and entertainment sectors.
With diverse industries and varying consumer buying power, China presents abundant investment opportunities, particularly in the travel sector.
Optimism surrounds the tourism industry’s growth, fueled by positive developments like increased flight capacities and expanded visa-free arrangements.
China’s recent unilateral visa-free policies for several countries, mutual agreements with Malaysia, and plans for similar arrangements with Singapore and Thailand signal a new era for international travel.
This positive momentum is reflected in increased search and booking volumes from countries benefiting from these policies.
Robust Prospects for Asian Economy
Looking at the broader Asian economy, Sun maintained optimism, projecting it to contribute around 50% of global GDP growth. The rapid development of the tourism industry in Asia, combined with strong purchasing power, indicates the region’s potential for sustained growth.
“We are committed to forging an influential network for our global partners, empowering them to welcome customers from every corner of the world,” Sun said.
“Equally, we stand poised to usher Asian customers into the global arena, opening doors to boundless opportunities and creating pathways for unprecedented international success.” Sun added.
Trip.com’s initiatives, including the “China Travel Guide,” showcase the growing interest and engagement in international travel, highlighting the industry’s resilience and adaptability in a post-pandemic world.
