Recent figures indicate that international tourist arrivals are on the rise, hitting 89 percent of the levels recorded in May 2019, prior to the pandemic. This information was shared by Harry Hwang, the director of the Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific at UN Tourism, during the ninth Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities Forum held in Sanya, Hainan province.

During the forum, Hwang highlighted the importance of the Asia-Pacific region adapting its visa regulations and improving tourism partnerships to attract more visitors. He pointed out that such initiatives would not only benefit the tourism industry but also stimulate growth in related sectors, thus rejuvenating the overall regional economy. In addition, Cho Jaedong, director-general of the TPO secretariat, emphasized the necessity of collectively utilizing expertise to pave the way for sustainable tourism opportunities. He called for actionable steps that would have enduring benefits for local communities and environments.