Can Domestic Travellers Rescue South East Asia’s Embattled Tourism Sector?

With flight capacity in South East Asia operating at -65% compared to pre-pandemic levels, the region's tourism sector is fighting for its survival. Borders remain slammed shut and airline fleets are largely redundant. The pressure is mounting on domestic tourists to keep the industry afloat. But despite positive stories in the national media, huge challenges exist. Consumers remain wary of taking flights even on short routes, hotels are surviving on weekend bookings, inter-state restrictions apply in some countries, and although large discounts are being offered, domestic travellers are spending cautiously. This week, Gary and Hannah take a trip through Cambodia, Bali, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore to assess whether domestic tourism can provide a stop-gap lifeline until inbound and outbound travel resume. Listen out, too, for a gigantic clap of tropical thunder in mid-pod!