The world is coming to Asia, or so it seems. The increase in tourist traffic to Asia is apparent by the fact that two of the world’s ten most visited countries are Asian.
2. The world is coming to Asia, or so it seems. The increase in tourist traffic to Asia is
apparent by the fact that two of the world’s ten most visited countries are Asian.
Another stunning fact is that the world’s most visited city is also Asian – Bangkok. Here’s
a list of preferred Asian countries that the international traveler is making a beeline for.
10. Japan – approximately 6,200,000 tourists a
year. Surprisingly, Japan is number 10 on the
countdown. This, despite the fact that Tokyo is
a world-class city, and Japan as a whole is jampacked with historical and cultural jewels that
would take a Japan travel guide days to go
through. Tokyo airport being one of the busiest
in world can be explained away by the sheer
number of travelers using it as a transit point
while flying across the world. The only other
explanation seems to be the fact that it is an
island, thus remote, and approachable by air
only.
3. 9. India – approximately 6,300,000 tourists a year. India – the East. A staggering
number of travelers fly into India’s various metros, only to scatter around the
country’s countless historical, cultural and religious destinations. The big draws are
the capital city of Delhi with a side visit to Agra for the Taj Mahal, the beaches of Goa
and the backwaters of Kerala, Jaipur for it colorful and rich heritage. India tour
guides also point a large number of tourists to pilgrimage cities like Varanasi and
Amritsar.
4. 8. Indonesia – approximately 7,700,000 tourists a year. The beautiful and
immensely popular island of Bali can be held responsible for a majority of this
figure landing on the country’s shores. People from the world over come here
for the long stretches of decadent beaches, beautiful Hindu temples and resorts
famous for luxurious hospitality. Not in any way undermining the beauty and
cultural importance of the rest of the archipelago, Jakarta, the capital city is also
a tourist magnet. A dedicated Indonesia travel guide will probably take you to a
number of other breathtaking islands famous for water sports, underwater
activities, doses of ancient culture and nature tours.
5. 7. South Korea – approximately 9,800,000 tourists a year. A whopping 10 million a
year is quite a feat for a country that’s known mostly by its capital city, Seoul. Seoul is
responsible for the lion’s share of this figure, but there’s more to South Korea that
this sparkling metropolis. A good number of travelers head to Busan and Jeju Island
after they’re done with Seoul.
6. 6. Singapore – approximately 10,400,000 tourists a year. Singapore has worked hard at
increasing its appeal as a tourist destination, adding two mega casinos and theme
parks amongst other unique and novel attractions. It’s proximity to the more visited
Malaysia and picturesque Indonesia has definitely helped.
7. 5. Macau – approximately 13,000,000 a year. The Vegas of the East, Macau is home to
flashy casinos, which have made it the world’s leading gambling centre. It does help
that Macau allows visa free entry to citizens of over 60 countries!
8. 4. Thailand – approximately 19,300,000 tourists a year. Thailand’s capital city of
Bangkok commands 16 million of the 19 million tourists that visit the country, making it
the most visited city in the world. Thailand’s secret lies in it’s pristine beaches, pocket
friendly tabs and warm hospitality..
9. 3. Hong Kong – approximately 22,400,000 tourists a year. Hong Kong is near the top
of the list because of a technicality – day trippers from Mainland China hop across to
shop at its glitzy malls, taking advantage of Hong Kong’s status as a free port. Exclude
these hordes and you still have 9 million genuine tourists knocking on Hong Kong’s
doors – that’s quite a feat for a tiny city-state.
10. 2. Malaysia – approximately 24,800,000 tourists a year. Sipadan, Tioman, Langkawi;
Malaysia offers some of the best beach destinations possible. Add to this mix world
class shopping in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and you’ve got yourself nearly 25
million visitors a year!
11. 1. China – approximately 57,600,000 tourists a year. Top of the list with more than
double the footfall of number 2. China has only just started opening up to international
visitors. And the world is flocking to its shores in hordes – Shanghai, Beijing, the Great
Wall, the Terracotta Army; all only the tip of the iceberg. China’s age old history of
ancient culture and traditions is a magnet for foreigners looking for an exotic
experience of the mystical east.
