Unlocking APAC’s High-Yield Tourism Potential: Insights from Arabian Travel Market Panel Featuring Gary Bowerman

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse for high-yield tourism, with international travel expenditure forecast to reach an impressive US$2.5 trillion and domestic travel expected to top US$4.3 trillion by 2029, according to Euromonitor International. Outbound travel is projected to grow at a healthy 7% CAGR, with intra-regional travel comprising 61% of trips by 2025 and one in three journeys venturing beyond APAC by 2029. Digital booking channels will dominate, with 75% of all travel arrangements made online.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 June 2025: At the 2025 Arabian Travel Market (ATM), a distinguished panel of industry experts convened to explore the evolving high-value traveller landscape in APAC. Moderated by Mingjie Wang, Chief Correspondent at China Daily, the session dove deep into traveller behavior shifts, digital disruption, and the resurgence of outbound travel, particularly from China’s lucrative segments.

Expert Panel Driving High-Yield Insights

The panel brought together key voices shaping APAC’s premium travel markets, including:

• Gary Bowerman, Co-Founder of High-Yield Tourism

• Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets, Saudi Tourism Authority

• Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director and VP of International Markets, Trip.com Group

• Shahab Shayan, Regional Director Asia Pacific, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism

These leaders underscored the need to pivot towards experiential, digital-savvy, and culturally immersive travel as the new standard for engaging affluent and discerning APAC travellers.

High-Yield Market Trends to Watch

Experience-Driven Demand Fuels Premium Segmentation
More than 60% of travellers now plan trips around live events such as concerts and sports, while social media platforms like TikTok influence over 40% of booking decisions. The growing role of pop culture, illustrated by increased Thai tourism linked to The White Lotus, highlights the power of authentic storytelling in driving high-yield travel.

Digital-First Strategy Is Non-Negotiable

With 75% of bookings expected online, mastery of digital platforms native to APAC markets—such as Bilibili and Red Note—is essential. Dubai’s strategic use of digital storytelling, combined with strong air connectivity through Emirates and Flydubai, exemplifies how destinations can position themselves as aspirational yet accessible hubs for premium travellers.

Localized Approaches for Authentic Engagement

Saudi Arabia’s highly localized strategy recognizes the vast diversity of APAC’s 49 countries, tailoring offers based on cultural nuances, dietary preferences, and traveller psychographics. This focus on authentic, market-specific experiences is a critical pillar in capturing high-yield visitor segments.

Technology and Sustainability: Pillars of Future Growth

Mobile and AI-Powered Planning Drive Conversion

As mobile-first trip research and AI-assisted personalization reshape the booking journey, trust remains paramount, especially in peer-generated content. Destinations targeting high-value travellers must integrate these digital dynamics into their customer engagement and product delivery models.

Sustainability as a Differentiator Among Affluent Millennials and Gen Y

Research from Trip.com reveals that 30-40% of younger affluent travellers prioritize sustainability and are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly options. Beyond carbon offsets, these travellers seek meaningful support of local culture and heritage, demanding responsible tourism practices that resonate with their values.

The High-Yield Imperative

The APAC region presents extraordinary opportunities for tourism stakeholders equipped to navigate its complexity with precision. As highlighted by Gary Bowerman and fellow panelists, success hinges on:

• Deep segmentation based on psychographics and lifestyle

• Leveraging cutting-edge digital channels for targeted storytelling

• Developing authentic, flexible experiences that respond to evolving consumer expectations

• Incorporating sustainability as a core value proposition

High-Yield Tourism remains committed to helping destinations and operators harness these insights to maximize revenue, build loyalty, and secure their place in the competitive APAC market.

📖 Read the original article here: https://www.todaystraveller.net/arabian-travel-market-fuels-2-5t-tourism/