WITH the NATAS consumer show just around the corner, Singapore outbound agency Chan Brothers Travel has unveiled its trend forecast for the year ahead, pointing to the return of Japan as a major destination and the rising popularity of cruises, exotic locales and holidays with local celebrities.
Chan Brothers reported more than 20 groups departing for Japan over the one-week Lunar New Year period, citing this as “testament to the unwavering popularity of Japan among Singaporeans”. With the Japanese yen at an all-time low, tour and shopping prices have tumbled by as much as 20 per cent, while the traditionally popular cherry blossom season is approaching.
ASA Holidays, which is holding its own travel fair this weekend, is also banking on the weakening yen and the cherry blossom season. Backed by a contingent of representatives from Japan, including the popular Hello Kitty and My Melody characters, Albert See, managing director of ASA Holidays, believes that Japan will be one of the top-selling destinations. Last year, ASA Holidays achieved a 110 per cent growth in the number of bookings to Japan compared to 2011.
According to Chan Brothers, Singapore is also fast becoming the cruise hub of South-east Asia, with regional cruises exhibiting a 60 per cent increase in 2012. Bookings for international cruises to Canada, the US and Europe are climbing too, with January 2013 sales alone reaching almost 20 per cent of 2012’s figure.
As well, exotic destinations are a fast-rising travel segment, with more Singaporeans choosing to head to Bhutan, Turkey, Dubai, Nepal and India, all of which registered close to a twofold increase in traffic last year.
Anthony Chan, group managing director, Chan Brothers Travel, said: “As (the) Singapore travel market is relatively mature, instead of competing on price, we continue to focus on product quality and innovation, service differentiation, value creation, advertising creativity and operating efficiency.”
