25 January 2011, Bangkok, Thailand – Wotif.com, online accommodation portal, recently shared its findings based on bookings on its portal. Based on the popularity amongst travellers in 2010 is Bali. Bali climbed the ranks to knock Singapore, which previously held the number one spot for three years – down to third place. Hong Kong snuck into Second place, holding its ground over Singapore. Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand were also popular destinations, despite the political unrest in the country.
Matthew Varley, Executive General Manager of Asia at Wotif.com, said, “Bali has always been a very popular destination with Wotif.com’s largely Australian and Asian following of travelers. With the region continuing to expand and improve its accommodation options it has really shown its potential as a travel destination through our site this year.
“Although Singapore remains popular with our travellers, particularly with exciting new developments such as the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, it was outshone by the lure of the beach and the bright lights of rival Asian city Hong Kong. We are confident this will inspire some healthy competition between these markets as they contend for the top spot in 2011.”
Top Asian DESTINATIONS (by bookings) in 2010
1. Bali
2. Hong Kong
3. Singapore
4. Bangkok
5. Phuket
6. Kuala Lumpur
7. Ho Chi Minh City
8. Koh Samui
9. Shanghai
10. Tokyo
The top 10 most visited regions remained largely the same. However, Indonesia moved up three positions to second place, overtaking Singapore which sank to number five. Thailand stayed the front-runner in 2010, demonstrating its resilience despite political events.
Top Asian REGIONS (by bookings) in 2010
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Vietnam
- China
- Japan
- Macau
- Philippines
Varley highlights Indonesia as the region to watch in 2011. After Bali’s showcase in the Hollywood movie Eat, Pray, Love, more couples are expected to share their love affairs with Bali and Varley expects booking numbers to continue growing. In a 2011 travel trends online survey conducted in December 2010 by Wotif.com, almost 40% responded that they are planning a trip to Southeast Asia, beating tourist hotspots North America and the UK which both registered 34%. Australia-New Zealand and Western Europe were the only regions that more people wanted to visit than Southeast Asia registering 50% and 43% respectively. Close to 30% were keen on North Asia as a holiday destination which is similar to Eastern Europe.
“Southeast Asia is holding its own against traditionally popular tourism destinations across the globe. Offering great value for money and fascinating cultures, it’s an excellent choice for your holidays this year,” said Varley. “Interestingly the majority (more than 63%) said they want to visit cities, compared to 22% who are looking for a relaxing beach or spa holiday. As such this year the city destinations in Southeast Asia could turn out to dominate travel demand in this part of the world.”
“Singapore in particular is expected to do very well with another major attraction launching in 2011 – the Gardens by the Bay. This new development will help transform the Marina Bay area and make the cityscape one of the most attractive in the region. With this addition and continued initiatives by the Tourism Board we are confident that Singapore will do everything it can to regain its standing in the popular destinations list this year,” he added.
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