Asia has over the past decade developed a reputation as a tourist destination that is exotic, cheap and comfortable. The continent caters to a range of interests ranging from the snowy Trans-Siberian express to the surfing beaches of Indonesia and from the ancient cities of the Middle East to the buzz of modern Hong Kong. Tokyo, Singapore and Beijing are bustling business centres. Perhaps the biggest drawcard of Asia is the range of cultures, each with its own history, languages, culture, religion and, most important, cuisine.
All the countries boast at least some five star hotels or resorts, often with lush golf courses, boutiques and superb restaurants. However, there is also a wide range of other accommodation to suit every pocket. International airlines service modern airports in all the major cities, though the transport infrastructure outside the main centres can border on the primitive. With the active support of local governments, a range of tourism development projects are underway throughout the region.
According to the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), during 2003 international tourism arrivals in Asia and the Pacific dropped by 12 million arrivals (9%), primarily due to the SARS epidemic. Whereas North-East Asia (-9%) and South East Asia (-16%) suffered severe losses, South Asia (+17%) made a strong comeback after two difficult years, attributed to a booming economy and trade liberalization.
