Singapore is at the top of the list of travel destinations for people living in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines when it comes to post-lockdown travel, according to a new global study.
These destinations also have considerable pent-up demand for travel. Out of the five, Indians are the most eager to travel internationally in the next 12 months (77 per cent), followed by Thais (70 per cent), Indonesians (60 per cent), Hong Kongers (47 per cent), and Filipinos (46 per cent).
Singapore emerges as top choice for travellers from India, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines
Jointly conducted by social research agency Blackbox Research, data provider Dynata, and language partner Language Connect, Unravel Travel: Fear & Possibilities in a Post Coronavirus (Covid-19) World examined the sentiments, preferences, and expectations of more than 10,000 people across 17 countries regarding travel in a post-Covid-19 world.
The study also found that Singaporeans are keen for the local travel industry to find its footing again. An overwhelming 93 per cent of Singaporeans recognise that tourism is a major industry and contributor to the local economy, with more than half (67 per cent) believing that the country is well-prepared to reopen tourism and leisure activities. More than half (57 per cent) are also comfortable with tourism boards, including their own, promoting their countries amid a pandemic.
On a more global level, the study revealed that one in five will look to avoid business travel in the next 12 months, spelling a challenge for Singapore’s plans to progressively resume essential business travel for executives.
Saurabh Sardana, COO of Blackbox Research, said that both regional interest and citizen sentiment towards restarting local tourism have been encouraging, but establishing traveller’s trust in health and safety protocols is key.
He elaborated: “People across Asia have the most pent-up demand to travel, and Singapore is well-placed to tap into that opportunity given its strategic location as the region’s travel hub. As Asia’s business hub as well, Singapore’s immediate focus on appealing to business travellers by working to establish green lane arrangements with a number of countries will help kickstart the industry.
“However, with concerns on health and safety as well as the increasing prevalence of digital tools replacing in-person business meetings, our study found that a significant percentage of people globally are deterred from business travel.
“With the number of cases in control now, Singapore is well-placed to cut through the fear and noise around pandemic travel, and drive home the safety narrative for its local tourism assets. This includes assurances on health checks during key stages of their itinerary, as well as ensuring that the required safety standards and precautions are in place.”
Singapore also has strong domestic appeal, with 78 per cent of Singaporeans keen to support local travel attractions in the next 12 months.
Sardana said: “Despite being a small island state that does not offer locals different states and regions to explore, our survey demonstrated that Singaporeans’ impression of domestic travel is still relatively robust. Singapore is committed to appeal to local consumers, as demonstrated by its S$45 million (US$32.5 million) SingapoRediscovers campaign, and its offerings are also well-placed to capture the domestic market.
“The next stage will be to further grow the way domestic tourism is perceived by locals, based on a greater understanding of local preferences, sentiments, and expectations.”
Singapore is at the top of the list of travel destinations for people living in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines when it comes to post-lockdown travel, according to a new global study.
These destinations also have considerable pent-up demand for travel. Out of the five, Indians are the most eager to travel internationally in the next 12 months (77 per cent), followed by Thais (70 per cent), Indonesians (60 per cent), Hong Kongers (47 per cent), and Filipinos (46 per cent).
Jointly conducted by social research agency Blackbox Research, data provider Dynata, and language partner Language Connect, Unravel Travel: Fear & Possibilities in a Post Coronavirus (Covid-19) World examined the sentiments, preferences, and expectations of more than 10,000 people across 17 countries regarding travel in a post-Covid-19 world.
The study also found that Singaporeans are keen for the local travel industry to find its footing again. An overwhelming 93 per cent of Singaporeans recognise that tourism is a major industry and contributor to the local economy, with more than half (67 per cent) believing that the country is well-prepared to reopen tourism and leisure activities. More than half (57 per cent) are also comfortable with tourism boards, including their own, promoting their countries amid a pandemic.
On a more global level, the study revealed that one in five will look to avoid business travel in the next 12 months, spelling a challenge for Singapore’s plans to progressively resume essential business travel for executives.
Saurabh Sardana, COO of Blackbox Research, said that both regional interest and citizen sentiment towards restarting local tourism have been encouraging, but establishing traveller’s trust in health and safety protocols is key.
He elaborated: “People across Asia have the most pent-up demand to travel, and Singapore is well-placed to tap into that opportunity given its strategic location as the region’s travel hub. As Asia’s business hub as well, Singapore’s immediate focus on appealing to business travellers by working to establish green lane arrangements with a number of countries will help kickstart the industry.
“However, with concerns on health and safety as well as the increasing prevalence of digital tools replacing in-person business meetings, our study found that a significant percentage of people globally are deterred from business travel.
“With the number of cases in control now, Singapore is well-placed to cut through the fear and noise around pandemic travel, and drive home the safety narrative for its local tourism assets. This includes assurances on health checks during key stages of their itinerary, as well as ensuring that the required safety standards and precautions are in place.”
Singapore also has strong domestic appeal, with 78 per cent of Singaporeans keen to support local travel attractions in the next 12 months.
Sardana said: “Despite being a small island state that does not offer locals different states and regions to explore, our survey demonstrated that Singaporeans’ impression of domestic travel is still relatively robust. Singapore is committed to appeal to local consumers, as demonstrated by its S$45 million (US$32.5 million) SingapoRediscovers campaign, and its offerings are also well-placed to capture the domestic market.
“The next stage will be to further grow the way domestic tourism is perceived by locals, based on a greater understanding of local preferences, sentiments, and expectations.”