29 May 2009

Thailand tops for value

ATLANTA - CNN International has announced the results of its Online Consumer Survey (OCS) on Travel and Tourism that reveals that Thailand represents the best value for money for travellers in the Asia Pacific region.

The survey conducted across CNN English websites had more than 5,000 respondents globally.

Thailand came out as the best value in Asia-Pacific for respondents over China in second place and India in third.

The survey also revealed that although times are tough, the recession hasnÃ¢â¬â¢t reduced peopleÃ¢â¬â¢s desire to travel. On the contrary Ã¢â¬' people are trading down, not trading out Ã¢â¬' but not compromising their experience.

Overall the survey indicated that more people would travel for holiday over the next 12 months than last year, but one in five would make fewer trips

- 46% of business travellers in Asia Pacific claim the economic environment has had no impact on their business travel plans.

- 79% of Asia-Pacific respondents feel they are likely to take a vacation in the region within the next 12 months. And the economic downturn isnÃ¢â¬â¢t affecting everyoneÃ¢â¬â¢s travel plans.

- Asia-Pacific holidaymakers spent an average of just over US$4,000 on their last vacation - ahead of the global average of $3,700.

Brand image and reputation also remains a critical factor for air travel, and survey respondents clearly feel that preferred, trusted airlines are able to command a premium.

Respondents are also more likely to do fewer trips than look for cheaper hotels or discounted flights with budget airlines.

- 58% of Asia Pacific respondents are Ã¢â¬Ëœwilling to pay more to travel with my preferred airlineÃ¢â¬â¢ (vs. 50% globally and just 41% of North American respondents)

- 61% of these Asia Pacific air travellers Ã¢â¬Ëœprefer to fly with a trusted brand regardless of costÃ¢â¬â¢.

William Hsu, VP advertising sales, CNN International, said, Ã¢â¬ÅâœThese results send a strong message to tourism boards that smart destination branding is critical for country differentiation and return on investment.Ã¢â¬~