SINGAPOREANS are making use of the long Lunar New Year weekend to travel abroad, with travel consultants anticipating a 20 per cent increase in travel bookings.
The first two days of Singapore’s Lunar New Year, which are public holidays, fall on February 19 and 20, a Thursday and Friday. Travellers are combining this with the weekend to take four-day breaks.
According to local travel agencies, popular destinations at the moment include China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan and Australia.
Jane Chang, head of marketing communications, Chan Brothers Travel, said: “We have received bookings for this period from as early as September last year and (sales are) currently 10 per cent higher than for the same time in 2014. We expect to easily surpass 2014’s figures by at least 20 per cent.
“Singaporeans are avid travellers and some religiously plan their holidays in advance, taking into account upcoming long weekends and public holidays,” she said.
NATAS spokesperson, Alvin Lim, predicted a lower level of growth. “We expect outbound travel over the festive period this year to be higher than last year’s by five to 10 per cent. Most long weekends tend to see a surge in travel interest, especially shorthaul trips from three to five days.”
Dynasty Travel director of marketing communications, Alicia Seah, who is expecting bookings to go up by 20 per cent, pointed out that some Singaporeans are taking another three days of leave before the New Year for an even longer holiday.
Seah attributed the rise in travel demand to the strong Singapore dollar as well. As such, she highlighted Europe as a popular longhaul destination Singaporeans are headed for this festive season.
