UK hotels see triple digit growth in visitor numbers from Asia
The UK has seen a significant rise in the number of visitors from Asia, with triple digit growth from countries including Malaysia, Thailand and Japan, according to Expedia.
The travel company said demand from Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand had more than doubled year-on-year.
The latest figures for October to December 2015 showed UK stays made by Malaysian visitors were up nearly 230% compared with the same period the previous year. Hotel demand was also fuelled by an increase in visitors from Thailand (up almost 180%) and Japan (up more than 155%).
Hotel reservations from New Zealand were up by 90%, while visitors from the US increased by 20%.
Edinburgh and Glasgow enjoyed a strong fourth quarter last year with package growth up nearly 30% and 40% respectively. But it was Aberdeen that saw the strongest growth with bookings increasing by around 70% compared with the same period in 2014.The city has struggled in several previous quarters as a result of the economic difficulties it has faced.
Demand patterns suggest that the Rugby World Cup also helped boost trade in the regions with host cities such as Newcastle-upon-Tyne (up more than 50%), Exeter (up 40%) and Gloucester (up almost 60%) seeing a significant year-on-year increase.
Isabelle Pinson, senior director of market management for the UK & Ireland at the Expedia group, said: "Expedia's latest data shows strong triple digit growth from across six of Asia's leading countries, which is phenomenal.
"Following a successful summer, Scotland has enjoyed a great 2015. We're no longer just seeing demand for popular cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, but Aberdeen too. It's hugely encouraging to see increased demand for emerging destinations within the UK."
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