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Predictive analytics for safer travels
Asia has become the world’s fastest growing travel market. In 2016, Asians spent US$600 billion on international travel, and Southeast Asia posted the highest growth among Asian sub-regions.
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Wat Arun Temple at sunset in Bangkok, Thailand. (Shutterstock/File)
T
he holiday season is here — and more Asians are traveling than ever before. In fact, Asia has become the world’s fastest growing travel market. In 2016, Asians spent US$600 billion on international travel, and Southeast Asia posted the highest growth among Asian sub-regions, with 9 percent more arrivals, largely due to continued strong intra-regional demand. Our dynamic economies are strengthening in and outbound travel throughout the region.
This growth spells valuable opportunities for Asia’s economies. With travel in the region set to increase on both the leisure and business fronts, there will be more travelers, flights, jobs, revenue and consumer needs — all creating new opportunities for those involved in the industry.
Unfortunately the picture is not entirely rosy. Acts of terrorism and insurgency continue to threaten public order in Southeast Asia and rates of violent crime are also increasing across the region, with regular reports of attacks on tourists.
The broad category of public safety must also include natural disasters, public health emergencies and financial crime. Quite apart from violence, fraud and personal data theft wreak a terrible cost on individuals and enterprises.
