We’re exploring the rapidly changing tourism trends across Asia-Pacific and how short-term rental hosts are doubling down on tech and personalisation to stay ahead.
Tourism across Asia-Pacific continues to rebound, but the pace—and the outlook—varies widely by destination.
Sri Lanka is a standout performer, having welcomed 900,000 international visitors by early May, weeks ahead of last year’s pace. With renewed momentum from India, China, and casino tourism, Sri Lanka is chasing an ambitious goal of 3 million visitors and $5 billion in revenue by year’s end.
In contrast, the Philippines is seeing more modest results. International arrivals dipped 2% in April, and are just shy of 1% down year-to-date. The declines are largely due to reduced traffic from China and South Korea, although inbound travel from Australia, Japan, and the U.S. is picking up slightly.
Despite mixed performance, hospitality investment remains strong across the region:
GreenTree is expanding in Malaysia
Club Wyndham adds another property in Australia
Galaxy Macau launches its ultra-luxury Capella Villas
NUSTAR in Cebu is raising the bar with oversized suites and private villas
From hotel conversions in Bangkok to integrated resort development in the Philippines, Asia-Pacific continues to attract global investment—but the key to success lies in targeting high-intent markets with experiences tailored to shifting traveller expectations.
In parallel, the short-term rental (STR) space is experiencing its own transformation—driven largely by technology and a push for direct bookings.
According to Hospitable’s latest survey, a staggering 97% of hosts say tech is critical to their success. This includes:
Dynamic pricing tools
Smart locks and home automation
AI messaging and automation tools
Direct booking websites to cut reliance on OTAs
While platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo still dominate, over half of STR hosts are now generating bookings through their own channels—giving them more control over profit margins and guest experiences.
A major shift is also underway in management style. More self-managing hosts are opting out of traditional property managers, confident they can provide more personal, tech-enhanced service than large brands. In fact, 74% of hosts say personalisation is their top competitive edge.
With AI tools becoming more intuitive and affordable, hosts can now deliver tailored experiences at scale—from curated local recommendations to personalised guest journeys. The future of hosting isn’t just about being automated—it’s about being authentically personal with the help of smart tech.
Asia-Pacific is recovering unevenly—invest in understanding your feeder markets and cater to their unique travel motivations.
Tech is no longer optional—embrace tools that enhance guest experience, streamline operations, and boost direct bookings.
Personalisation is the new luxury—the hosts that win will combine automation with warmth and intentional service.
Independence is rising—more hosts are taking control of their businesses and thriving outside traditional management models.
Ready to elevate your direct booking game? Visit the Boostly website for the tools, strategies, and support you need to succeed in 2025 and beyond. And remember: Book Direct.
