Asia’s heatwaves are not deterring tourists – for now

RECORD-BREAKING heatwaves in South-east Asia have not reduced tourism demand so far, but the growing frequency of such extreme weather may affect longer-term travel patterns, said observers.

“The heatwave has, perhaps, still not crossed that red line yet,” said National University of Singapore Business School professor Lawrence Loh. “But having said that, I think it is natural that travellers will want to consider their well-being in terms of safety and comfort. So if such incidences of heatwaves persist, it will become a significant consideration in the choice of travel destination.”

Scorching heat of above 40 degrees Celsius engulfed much of South-east Asia in April and May, with record temperatures in Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. The Philippines saw heatstroke deaths and school closures. In Thailand’s capital Bangkok, the heat index – a measure of how hot it feels when humidity is taken into account – rose above 52 deg C in April.