The result was described as “relatively constrained” by PATA, compared to the robust expansion achieved during the first quarter of 2012.

For the first four months of 2012, Asia Pacific recorded a collective gain of 7% year-on-year.

Martin J Craigs, PATA CEO, said: “Global economic conditions continue to be trying, yet travel demand for Asia Pacific destinations continues to generally remain positive, albeit with a wide range of performances at both destination and origin market levels.

“During the first four months of 2012, Asia Pacific destinations added close to 9 million additional international arrivals to the collective count, putting the region well on the road to yet another record year in terms of foreign inbound numbers. However, the dynamics of these flows are changing and it will be interesting to see just how these play out in the months ahead.”

Foreign inbound growth to North America was weak at 0.5%. Both the US and Canada reported positive growth of 2%, whereas Mexico saw a decline of 6%.

International arrivals to North East Asia grew by 5% during the month, while South Asia registered a gain of 5%.

South East Asia retained its position as the fastest growing sub-region in Asia Pacific with a 9% increase in international arrivals during the month.

Travel demand to the Pacific was up 6% during April 2012. Growth to the sub-region was boosted by strong arrivals as in Guam (24%) and Hawaii (9%) where the recovery of the Japanese outbound market had a positive impact.