Tourism Demand Remains Strong Despite Extreme Weather, But Long-Term Trends May Shift
Despite record-breaking heatwaves in Southeast Asia, tourism demand remains resilient, particularly in popular beach and resort destinations like Kuala Terengganu in Malaysia. The scorching temperatures of over 40°C in April and May, affecting countries such as Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, have not deterred travelers, according to industry experts.
However, experts warn that the growing frequency of extreme weather events may influence travel patterns in the long term. Lawrence Loh, a professor at the National University of Singapore Business School, noted that while the heatwave has not yet reached a threshold that would significantly deter tourists, concerns about safety and comfort could eventually impact destination choices. If such heatwaves continue, travelers may increasingly prioritize destinations with more temperate climates or indoor activities.
In some regions, the heat has had severe consequences, including heatstroke deaths in the Philippines and extreme temperatures in Bangkok, where the heat index exceeded 52°C in April. As extreme weather continues to affect the region, the tourism sector may need to adapt to shifting traveler preferences.
