Wednesday, December 02, 2020

Why do many people go on vacation to Asian countries?

Top 10 holiday countries in 2019 based on the number of Dutch holidaymakers:[1]

  1. Germany 3,581,160
  2. France 2,639,120
  3. Spain 2,589,120
  4. Belgium 1,714,800
  5. Italy 1,321,600
  6. Austria 1,279,600
  7. Great Britain 1,097,500
  8. Greece 882,400
  9. Turkey 725,300
  10. Portugal 602,300

France is the number two holiday destination for the Dutch. It is nearby and many Dutch people often stay at a French campsite on their way to Spain and Italy.

Greece and Turkey are popular for their affordable (family) all-inclusive hotels/resorts. But flying to Greece and Turkey is also relatively cheap.

Indonesia is an important destination for the Netherlands, because of its historical ties, but also because Indonesia has a lot to offer as a holiday destination.

Before Covid19, an average of 200,000 Dutch people visited Indonesia, even 250,000 Dutch people visit Thailand every year. The intercontinental flights to Asia are relatively cheap due to the competition from many airlines such as; Emirates, Thai, Singapore, Lufthansa, Etihad, Turkish, Qatar, etc. For example, flying to South America is sometimes more expensive than to Southeast Asia, while some South American destinations are much closer.

In addition to affordable flights, life in the Southeast Asian countries is cheap, the population is friendly and it is safe.

Before Covid19, KLM flew daily to Jakarta, Bali, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

What makes Indonesia attractive are the small-scale affordable unique private resorts.

Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries are developing in their own way. But modernization is also penetrating these countries, just like in the Western countries.

Skyline of Jakarta

Dubai is not really a holiday destination for couple of weeks. Either one is in transit to Asia, for business, or one flies here for a city trip for a weekend.

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