Tourism in Asia sees fluctuations in the second year of the pandemic

New travel alternatives like glamping and staycation have become increasingly popular in cities like Hong Kong 

Asia’s tourist destinations are putting their faith in domestic visitors to get them through the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, reported Taiwan News.  

As countries around the world implement strict regulations and travel restrictions to contain the pandemic, foreign and local tourists and prevented from enjoying their typical holiday destinations.  

According to the U.N. World Tourism Organisation, international tourist arrivals decreased 95 percent in the first five months of the year across Asia-Pacific, compared to the same period in 2019.  

In India, tourists are returning to the valleys and mountains in Indian-controlled Kashmir, as infections decline in the Himalayan region and nationwide.  

The “shikaras,” or traditional Kashmiri houseboats, are back on the calm waters of Dal Lake as Indians travel at home.  

However, mountainous areas like Kashmir are starting to see a rise in cases due to the increasing number of visitors, which have fueled concerns about a third wave.  

Looking at Bangkok, which was once one of the most-visited cities in the world, is battling through COVID-19.  

Suthipong Pheunphiphop, the president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, urged the government to commit to its plan to reopen the country to foreign tourists in October. 

Strict virus control measures have enabled China to rapidly recover and return to a somewhat normal life.  

In June and July, the number of tourists visiting Beijing tripled compared to the same period last year. Nevertheless, outbreaks in July and August caused authorities to suspend flights and trains to affected cities, as well as reduce visitor capacity to 60 percent for parks and museums.  

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In the metropolis of Hong Kong, glamping and staycations have become incredibly popular, replacing trips abroad for at least some of its 7.4 million residents.  

Glamping sites provide showering facilities, clean beds, and barbeque areas, with prices typically around USD65 per person per night.