Singaporean travelers demonstrate a strong commitment to spending their money on experiences rather than fleeting pleasures.

Booking.com recently unveiled its much-anticipated APAC Travel Confidence Index (TCI) for 2023, offering an analysis of travel mindsets in the region. Despite financial concerns ranking high among travellers’ worries, an impressive 73% of APAC travelers are maintaining optimism for their upcoming travel plans over the next year.

The TCI 2023 research, conducted independently by Milieu Insight and commissioned by Booking.com, involved over 8,000 travelers from 11 countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region. The report presents a comprehensive analysis of travel confidence and sustainability interests, shedding light on various destinations in the APAC region. Among the surveyed countries, Singapore ranked fourth in terms of travel confidence.

The report not only explores travel attitudes but also identifies four distinctive traveller personas, offering insights into their motivations, priorities, and behaviors:

Conscious Explorers: Found in Hong Kong, India, China, and Taiwan, these travellers actively seek eco-friendly and sustainable travel experiences. They are passionate about exploring while minimizing their environmental impact, engaging in ecotourism, staying at sustainable accommodations, and supporting local communities.

Comfort Seekers: Represented by travellers from Singapore and Australia, Comfort Seekers prioritize convenience and indulgence. They seek luxurious experiences and accommodations that provide maximum relaxation, valuing personalized services and high-quality amenities over sustainability considerations.

Mindful Voyagers: This persona is prevalent in Vietnam. Mindful Voyagers adopt a thoughtful approach to travel, driven by their sense of responsibility towards the environment and a desire to support local communities. However, they may also experience anxieties in unfamiliar environments and actively seek resources to overcome travel concerns and gain confidence.

Homebound Pragmatists: These travellers from New Zealand, Korea, Japan, and Thailand prefer practical travel options and staying close to home. They prioritize convenience, efficiency, and making the most of their limited time and resources through well-organized and efficient travel experiences.

For Singapore, travel serves as a much-needed escape for 60% of its residents, providing a respite from the stresses of daily life. Additionally, 43% of Singaporean travellers seek authentic cultural experiences that bring them closer to the heart and soul of a destination.

Singaporean travellers demonstrate a strong commitment to spending their hard-earned money on travel experiences (32%) rather than other fleeting pleasures. Moreover, 27% of them showcase an adventurous spirit, gravitating towards lesser-known and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Food and dining experiences take the top priority for 79% of Singaporean travellers, as they savor the flavors of different cuisines worldwide. They also appreciate captivating scenery, with 70% seeking breathtaking landscapes. Exploring famous attractions and landmarks ranks high on their travel wish list, with 64% eager to uncover the iconic wonders of the world. Shopping also remains a popular activity, with 60% of Singaporean travelers indulging in retail therapy during their adventures.

However, the report highlights a reduced emphasis on sustainability among Singaporean travellers, with only 32% considering it important. They stand out as the least likely (18%) to invest in sustainable accommodation choices, indicating a strong inclination towards prioritizing personal comfort and indulgence during their journeys.

Nonetheless, Singaporean travellers show resourcefulness in managing their travel expenses effectively. Around 57% opt for budget-friendly accommodations, 52% plan their trips during off-peak periods to take advantage of lower prices, and 48% choose less expensive means of transportation.

“Despite some macroeconomic headwinds, one thing remains clear for all APAC travelers: their spirit of adventure and the desire to create lasting memories via travel remains steadfast and strong,” said Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, at Booking.com.

“Despite the profound impact of the pandemic, insights from this year’s Travel Confidence Index reassuringly proves that Asia-Pacific is well on its way to reclaim its position as the world’s fastest-growing travel region.”