Searches for first and business class outbound flights from Singapore grew by 137% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, according to data from Trip.com.
Searches for five-star hotels also rose by 42% over the same period. The growth is particularly evident among travellers visiting China, South Korea, Japan, the US, and the UK.
Millennials and Gen X travellers are driving the demand, with those aged 35 to 49 accounting for nearly half of all premium flight and hotel bookings for the second half of the year. Travellers aged 50 to 59 account for almost a quarter of premium flight bookings.
Singapore is also seeing an influx of inbound premium travellers. Visitors from China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia represent the top five source markets. These travellers spend an average of 10 times more per trip than typical travellers, with spending on tours, attractions, and activities estimated to be four to six times higher.
More than four in 10 first and business class flights booked for the second half of the year are longhaul flights. Japan remains a key destination, accounting for four of the top 10 most-booked five-star hotels. Booking patterns among Trip.com’s Black Diamond and Diamond+ members also reflect demand for longhaul destinations, including Australia, the UK, and the US.
Travellers flying first or business class average at least 14 days overseas per trip, which is close to 40% longer than average travel durations, stretching to 20 days on some occasions.
Demand for tailored travel options has also increased. Bookings from Singapore for Trip.com’s custom tour offering grew by 650% year-on-year. Gross hotel bookings under the Old Friends Club, an initiative for users aged 50 and above, rose by over 100% year-on-year in the first quarter of the year.
Live entertainment and events continue to motivate travel spending, with 63% of Asia-Pacific travellers having crossed borders for concerts, and 66% willing to travel abroad for events.
