MasterIndex of Travel 1H 2006 - Market Specific Highlights

Continued from: Latest MasterIndex of Travel Forecasts More than 67.5 Million Outbound Travelers from Asia Pacific in 1H 2006.

Market Specific Highlights from the MasterIndex of Travel H1 2006.

Australia

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the First Half of 2006:

• 9.5% year-on-year growth
• 2.44 million outbound travelers forecasted for the next six months

Survey on Personal Travel

• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were the Internet (44%), followed by travel agents (32%) and familiarity with the place (12%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (62%), followed by running out of cash, and not being able to get the right kind of food and water (14% each), and language barriers (10%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were rest and relaxation (42%), general sightseeing and shopping (36% each), and visit historical sites/ museums/ art centers (16%).
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included apparel and personal effects (44%), followed by luxury items/ jewelry/ branded goods (28%), and local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (22%). 
• The favorite personal travel destination for Australian travelers was Europe (40%).

Survey on Business Travel

• 20% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more as compared to the previous period. 
• China and USA (30% each) were the most frequently visited destination, followed by Singapore (25%)
• Majority of business travelers (45%) used the travel arrangement company arranged by the company. 
• Qantas (45%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Singapore Airlines (15%) and Air New Zealand (10%). 
• Three-star/medium priced hotels (45%) were most preferred for business travel, together with international four-star hotels (45%), followed by international five-star spa and resorts (10%).

China

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the First Half of 2006:

• 9.0% year-on-year growth
• 15.45 million outbound travelers forecasted for the next six months

Survey on Personal Travel

• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were travel agents (67%), followed by the Internet (48%) and word of mouth (45%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (53%), followed by language barriers (48%) and losing one’s passport (28%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing (78%), shopping (61%) and entertainment (47%). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (71%), followed by apparel and personal effects (58%), and luxury items/ jewelries/ branded goods (29%). 
• The favorite personal travel destinations for the Chinese travelers were Europe (36%) and Australia (24%).

Survey on Business Travel

• 32% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more as compared to the previous period. 
• Hong Kong (39%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Singapore (18%) and Japan (13%).
• Majority of business travelers (48%) used their company’s in-house travel department when making business travel arrangements. 
• Air China (52%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by China Southern Airlines (17%) and China Eastern Airlines (9%). 
• International four-star hotels (40%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by three-star/medium priced hotels (31%) and international five-star or higher end hotels (17%).

Hong Kong

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the First Half of 2006:

• 3.0% year-on-year growth
• 2.71 million outbound travelers forecasted for the next six months

Survey on Personal Travel

• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were word of mouth (50%), followed by travel agents (40%) and magazines and newspapers (34%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (71%), followed by losing one’s passport (30%) and language barriers (29%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing (64%), shopping (48%) and rest and relaxation (35%). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (53%), followed by food items (41%) and apparel and personal effects (35%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Hong Kong travelers was Japan (61%).

Survey on Business Travel

• 24% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period. 
• China (56%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Taiwan (15%) and Europe (15%).
• Majority of business travelers (59%) used their company’s in-house travel department for making business travel arrangements. 
• Cathay Pacific (61%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Dragonair (11%) and China Eastern Airlines (6%). 
• International five-star or higher end hotels (39%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international four-star hotels (24%) and international five-star spa and resorts (20%).

Indonesia

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the First Half of 2006:

• 2.6% year-on-year growth
• 1.99 million outbound travelers forecasted for the next six months

Survey on Personal Travel

• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were travel agents (65%), followed by word of mouth (34%) and the Internet (17%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (41%), followed by losing one’s passport (35%) and losing one’s baggage (18%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were entertainment (48%), shopping (35%) and rest and relaxation (27%). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (65%), followed by apparel and personal effects (48%) and food items (24%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Indonesian travelers was Singapore (50%).

Survey on Business Travel

• 30% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period. 
• Singapore (53%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Malaysia (33%) and Japan (13%).
• Majority of business travelers (38%) used their company’s in-house travel department for making business travel arrangements. 
• Garuda Indonesian Airways (56%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Singapore Airlines (19%) and Air China (3%). 
• International four star hotels (29%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by three-star/medium priced hotels (26%) and international five-star or higher end hotels (14%).

Japan

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the First Half of 2006:

• 8.0% year-on-year growth
• 8.97 million outbound travelers forecasted for the next six months

Survey on Personal Travel

• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were travel agents (43%), followed by the Internet (34%) and travel guides/books/brochures (24%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (55%), followed by losing one’s passport (34%), and losing one’s credit/bank cards (24%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing (53%), entertainment (33%) and shopping (27%). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (41%), apparel and personal effects (39%) and luxury items/jewelry/ branded goods (38%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Japanese travelers was Australia (31%).

Survey on Business Travel

• 63% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period. 
• China (42%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Singapore (26%) and Hong Kong (24%).
• Majority of business travelers (55%) used their company’s in-house travel department for making business travel arrangements. 
• Japan Airlines (66%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by ANA (24%) and Singapore Airlines (8%).
• International four-star hotels (53%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international five-star or higher end hotels (24%) and serviced apartments (11%).

Korea

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the First Half of 2006:

• 7.8% year-on-year growth
• 5.15 million outbound travelers forecasted for the next six months

Survey on Personal Travel

• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were word of mouth (61%), followed by familiarity with place (42%) and the Internet (27%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were language barriers (47%), followed by security and safety issues (45%) and losing one’s passport (31%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing (80%), visiting historical sites/museums/art centers (55%) and rest and relaxation (31%). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included apparel and personal effects (64%), local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (30%) and food items (22%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Korean travelers was Europe (67%).

Survey on Business Travel

• 19% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period. 
• China (43%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Japan (32%) and Europe (23%).
• Majority of business travelers (43%) used their company’s in-house travel department for making business travel arrangements. 
• Korean Airlines (76%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Asiana (15%).
• International four-star hotels (33%) and three-star/medium priced hotels (23%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international five-star spa and resorts (16%).

Malaysia

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the First Half of 2006:

• 11.2% year-on-year growth
• 19.93 million outbound travelers forecasted for the next six months

Survey on Personal Travel

• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were travel agents (55%), followed by travel promotions/fairs (39%) and word of mouth (33%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (67%), followed by losing one’s passport (59%) and losing one’s wallet/pocket book (37%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were shopping (58%), experiencing different cultures (53%) and rest and relaxation (41%). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (71%), food items (52%) and apparel and personal effects (50%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Malaysian travelers was Australia (46%).

Survey on Business Travel

• 19% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period. 
• Singapore (48%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Indonesia (30%) and China (26%).
• Majority of business travelers (44%) used their company’s in-house travel department for making business travel arrangements. 
• Malaysian Airlines (63%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Singapore Airlines (22%) and China Southern Airlines (7%).
• Three-star/medium priced hotels (30%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international five-star spa and resorts (26%) and international four-star hotels (22%).

New Zealand

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the First Half of 2006:

• 4.5% year-on-year growth
• 0.96 million outbound travelers forecasted for the next six months

Survey on Personal Travel

• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were word of mouth (48%), followed by the Internet (20%) and familiarity of place and travel agents (16% each).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (38%), followed by falling sick with no proper medical facilities (22%) and losing one’s baggage (11%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were rest and relaxation (47%), general sightseeing (37%) and visiting family/relatives/friends (36%). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included apparel and personal effects (60%), food items (22%) and local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (21%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for New Zealander travelers was Australia (43%).

Survey on Business Travel

• 44% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period. 
• Australia (68%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Europe (15%) and USA (14%).
• Majority of business travelers (51%) used their company’s in-house travel department for making business travel arrangements. 
• Air New Zealand (51%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Qantas (19%) and Singapore Airlines (15%).
• International four-star hotels (43%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by serviced apartments (18%) and three-star/medium priced hotels and international five-star or higher end hotels (17% each).

Philippines

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the First Half of 2006:

• 13.5% year-on-year growth
• 1.38 million outbound travelers forecasted for the next six months

Survey on Personal Travel

• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were word of mouth (58%), followed by travel agents (25%) and magazines and newspapers and familiarity with place (17% each).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (83%), followed by losing one’s baggage (33%) and language barriers and running out of cash (25% each).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were shopping (58%), rest and relaxation (50%) and general sightseeing (42%). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included apparel and personal effects (67%), electronic and audio visual products (50%) and local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (42%).
• Filipino travelers preferred traveling to Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and the USA (25% each).

Survey on Business Travel

• 15% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period. 
• Hong Kong (30%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by China, Japan, Europe and Middle East/Africa (20% each).
• Majority of business travelers (50%) used a travel arrangement company arranged by their company for making business travel arrangements. 
• Philippine Airlines (45%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Cathay Pacific (25%) and China Airlines and Lufthansa (10% each).
• Serviced apartments and local economy hotels (40% each) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international five-star or higher end hotels (20%).

Singapore

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the First Half of 2006:

• 3.9% year-on-year growth
• 2.79 million outbound travelers forecasted for the next six months

Survey on Personal Travel

• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were travel promotions/fairs (61%), followed by travel agents (50%) and the Internet (48%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were losing one’s passport (61%), followed by running out of cash (44%) and falling sick with no proper medical facilities and losing one’s baggage (42% each).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were entertainment (78%), rest and relaxation (70%) and shopping (67%). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included food items (75%), local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (68%), apparel and personal effects (52%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Singaporean travelers was Hong Kong (53%).

Survey on Business Travel

• 17% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period. 
• China (53%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Indonesia (33%) and India (27%).
• Majority of business travelers (54%) used their company’s in-house travel department for making business travel arrangements. 
• Singapore Airlines (61%) was the most preferred airline for business travel.
• International four-star hotels (63%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international five-star spa and resorts (17%) and international five-star or higher end hotels (10%).

Taiwan

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the First Half of 2006:

• 4.5% year-on-year growth
• 4.19 million outbound travelers forecasted for the next six months

Survey on Personal Travel

• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were the Internet (62%), followed by word of mouth (37%) and magazines and newspapers (26%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (57%), followed by losing one’s passport (52%) and losing one’s wallet/ pocket book and falling sick with no proper medical facilities (50% each).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing (77%), experiencing different cultures (73%) and experiencing different cuisines (69%). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (66%), apparel and personal effects (61%) and food items (52%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Taiwanese travelers was Japan (56%).

Survey on Business Travel

• 31% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period. 
• China (49%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Japan (24%) and USA (22%).
• Majority of business travelers (39%) used their company’s in-house travel department for making business travel arrangements. 
• China Airlines and EVA Air (34%) were the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Cathay Pacific (10%).
• International five-star or higher end hotels (27%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international four-star hotels (24%) and three-star/medium priced hotels (17%).

Thailand

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the First Half of 2006:

• 3.6% year-on-year growth
• 1.61 million outbound travelers forecasted for the next six months

Survey on Personal Travel

• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were word of mouth (35%), followed by the Internet (31%) and travel agents (22%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (64%), followed by language barriers (19%) and fear of flying (17%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing (54%), shopping (45%) and visiting historical sites/museums/art centers (39%). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included local apparel and personal effects (60%), souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (51%) and luxury items/jewelries/ branded goods (20%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Thai travelers was Europe (36%).

Survey on Business Travel

• 34% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period. 
• Europe (24%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by China (21%) and Singapore (21%).
• Majority of business travelers (39%) used a travel arrangement company engaged by their company when making business travel arrangements. 
• Thai Airways (69%) was the most preferred airline for business travel followed by Singapore Airlines (15%).
• International four-star hotels (39%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international five-star or higher end hotels (27%) and three-star/medium priced hotels (21%).

Vietnam

No forecast being made for Vietnam

Survey on Personal Travel

• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were word of mouth (48%), followed by travel agents (38%) and advertising (33%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (52%), followed by losing one’s passport (45%) and losing one’s wallet/ pocket book (34%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing (67%), experiencing different cultures (52%) and shopping and entertainment (48% each). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included apparel and personal effects (64%), local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (57%) and electronic and audio visual products (34%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Vietnamese travelers was Singapore (55%).

Survey on Business Travel

• 61% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period. 
• Singapore (38%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by China (34%) and Singapore (33%).
• Majority of business travelers (71%) used their company’s in-house travel department when making business travel arrangements. 
• Vietnam Air (53%) was the most preferred airline for business travel followed by Singapore Airlines (12%).
• Three-star/medium priced hotels (47%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international four-star hotels (26%) and international five-star spa and resorts (12%). 

The above was continued from: Latest MasterIndex of Travel Forecasts More than 67.5 Million Outbound Travelers from Asia Pacific in 1H 2006..

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