Positive outlook for 2018
By: L.N. Reklai
December 28, 2017 (Koror, Palau) November visitor arrival statistics show 2017 arrivals trailing 2016 by 12% over the same time last year. Total number of arrivals by November 30, 2016 was 128,558 and November 30 of this year was at 112,281, or about 16,277 less visitors than last year.
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Majority of the decline continue to be the PRC market but continue to maintain its main lead in the market representing over 50% of the market share.
This November 2017 arrival was only down by 1% over same period last year or difference of only 6 visitors. This month also saw increase in Japan, USA/Canada and European markets over last month.
This year, one of the primary factors affecting number of arrivals, especially from China, has been due to number of charter airlines stopping flights. Competitiveness with other destinations, geopolitics are also contributing factors.
2018 expects new airlines as well as increase in some of the airlines flight frequencies based on existing applications requests, according to Minister Charles Obichang of MPIIC. [/restrict]