Hospitality Trends Is South East Asia

Hospitality trends in the Asia-Pacific: a discussion of five key sectors
Nerilee Hing Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia Vivienne McCabe Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia Peter Lewis Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia Neil Leiper Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia

This paper reviews recent trends in major hospitality sectors in the Asia-Pacific region. Observes that the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE), backpacker, and bed and breakfast sectors are growing, characterised by burgeoning market demand, proliferation of specialist infrastructure, sector-specific education and training, and dedicated development and marketing strategies. The casino sector is facing major challenges, seeing declining demand in some areas. Competitive forces are evident in the licensed clubs sector, where a proliferation of gambling options has undermined traditional sources of revenue. Conversely, the hotel and restaurant sectors can be considered mature. There is increased attention to facilities development, asset management, market segmentation and use of new technologies, and the restaurant sector appears focused on product revitalisation. Concludes that the recent economic turmoil in Asia will no doubt produce new challenges, as well as opportunities, in the lead up to the next millennium.

Introduction
This paper reviews recent trends in key hospitality sectors in the Asia-Pacific region. While fallout from the 1997-98 Asian economic crisis will no doubt produce new opportunities and challenges, certain patterns of development underlie each of these sectors. Those enjoying significant growth in market demand are concentrating on infrastructure and market development, and striving to improve professionalism, quality standards and marketing efforts. For more mature sectors, competition is necessitating a range of responses, from product rejuvenation and enhancement, to greater attention to asset

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