New Trends in International Tourism Development

Joseph A. McInerneyPacific Asia Travel Association

ITF ConferenceTaipei

November 3, 2000

Change is Constant

• Competition is up

• Yields are down

• Margins are tight

• Competition is fierce and smart

Trends Affecting Travellers

• Young travellers

• “Post-materialistic” generation

• Explorers

• Culturally sensitive

• The human touch

Trends Among Travellers

• Ecologically aware

• Convergence of payment and ID systems

• Seamless travel

• Consistency of product delivery

Trends Among Travellers

• Working longer

• Shorter vacations

• Shorter holidays

• Loyalty programmes

• Increasingly fickle travellers

Trends Among Travellers

• Increasing power of the Internet

• Average age increasing

• Medical treatments on holiday (!)

• Health and spa tourism

Trends Among Travellers

• Increased role of the media

• Country A B C D

• Travel advisories

A lie can travel halfway around the world, while the truth is still putting

on its shoes.

-- Mark Twain

Destinations need:

• Smart media management

• Experienced public relations team

• Crisis management plan in place

• Confidence and perception are vital commodities

Tourism Trends

• World-class efficiency with a local touch

• Monitor public response

• Short-term results

• Profits today

• Relentless quest for value

Tourism Trends

• Mergers and acquisitions

• Price competition

• Higher capacity aircraft

• Airline alliances

Tourism Trends

• Internet distribution

• Tourism Satellite Accounts

• Liberalise aviation traffic rights

• Visas on arrival

• Tour guide training and regulation

• Niche tourism

There are no short cuts.

Joseph A. McInerneyChief Executive OfficerPacific Asia Travel Association

joe@pata.th.comwww.pata.org