Singaporeans “grabbing” deals at NATAS Holidays
SINGAPORE – A buoyant economy, a hot property market and a slew of new infrastructure developments coming online in Singapore are helping to boost consumer confidence – and travel is where Singaporeans are spending their money.
At the NATAS Travel Fair just ended last weekend, an estimated 60,000 people flocked to the three-day event and “grabbed whatever was available”, according to Robin Yap, vice president-Asia for Insight Vacations.
The reason? “There is such a shortage of air capacity that airline seats have become a well sought-after commodity. The rosy economic outlook coupled will generous salary increments have all added to consumers confidence,” he told TravelMole Asia.
Robert Khoo, Chief Executive Officer of the travel agents association, which runs the event, said sales were even more robust this year. “Our estimated figure for total sales made during NATAS Holidays 2007 is at least $30 million.”
The main sellers continue to be traditional regional destinations with Khoo citing Japan as the top seller.
“Not many agents were selling exotic destinations. Those who did like Universal Travel did extremely well,” he said.
Yap said that while Asian destinations such as Korea and Taiwan remained a big hit with consumers, Europe is the longhaul star this year.
“Singaporeans are taking at least two or more vacations a year – a couple of short trips and one long one. More interestingly, for the first time in many years, we had to put up a signage to indicate SOLD OUT for our Winter Wonderland for December 1 and 3 by Saturday. Europe Winter vacations are red hot this year.”
Despite stronger purchasing power, the Singapore traveller remains a price-driven species, said Khoo. “Singaporeans will always be price driven even if they are purchasing upmarket tours. I think it is a national habit.”
However Yap observed a change – “something I am most pleased with this year” – price no longer pops up as the first question.
“My own experience at the fair is shared by many. Consumers asked about availability, inclusions, and accommodation before price. This has to do with a number of things – supply and demand issue as most are finding hard to get a seat on their choice of airline and tour package; consumer are more aware of price vs quality following a series of reports in the Straits Time about option tours in recent weeks; and the stronger economy and consumers are willing to pay a little more for a quality holiday experience.”
Insight Vacations, for instance, has reported record bookings for the last three years for its premium product, he said.
Corinne Wan
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