Since the invention of the jet engine, the world has become a smaller place. Journeys that used to take weeks by sea can be done in a single day by air. For some years, the cost of flying kept it a very exclusive club but, as prices dropped, more people took to the air. When the really “big” planes started to get off the ground, people could afford to go vast distances for their holidays. Asia opened up as a tourist destination. Who could ask for more? Spectacular scenery, fabulous beaches, exotic cuisine and great service from welcoming local people. It was a marriage made in heaven and local economies in the East began to build their resources.

New hotels were erected, new resort facilities carved out of the landscape. First, thousands of people were employed, then tens of thousands. Western tourism was a key element in lifting many countries out of poverty. Coming into this century, everything was looking on track for continuing growth and then a double whammy. The global recession hit. People in the West suddenly found their credit drying up as banks ran into trouble. Unemployment began to rise, and foreclosures marked the end of the housing bubble. People no longer had the same amount of disposable income to spend on holidays. Add to this the political troubles. Demonstrations shut the main airport into Thailand for a week. Terrorists attacked Mumbai. The war in Sri Lanka flared into new violence. Put all these together and you have a recipe for a disaster. There are between 300,000 and 400,000 jobs tied up in tourism in Asia. Travel to India and Sri Lanka is down 25%.

Other troubled destinations are falling fast. Even the favorite destinations like Hong Kong are suffering. The governments in these states have too much invested in tourism to allow it to fail completely so they have released funds from their reserves to not only allow the trade to continue, but also to make discount offers. Wherever you look in this region, you will find what was previously sold at a premium price is now a middle-of-the-road price. What was previously an average price is now a give-away. The regional body tasked with promoting tourism in the Asia Pacific area is aiming to raise tourist numbers over the next three years. The plan is to maintain revenue through volume rather than higher prices. So, if you have the time, take a look at the special offers. You will find cheap air tickets to virtually every destination in the Asia Pacific area. Then add in the promotional prices on rooms and you have a bargain bonanza making this a “once-in-a-lifetime” chance. Although it’s hard. Although you’re short of money. There never has been a better time to fly to Asia. So check out the specialist online travel agencies. You’re going to find both standard tickets and packages at incredible savings. If you can, take advantage of these cheap air tickets. They may never be as cheap again.  Terry Willson