BERLIN, 6 March 2025: Trip.com Group unpacked emerging technologies shaping the future of travel, such as AI-driven personalisation and next-generation, at the ITB Berlin’s Future Forward presentation held on Wednesday with event partner the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Trip.com Group Managing Director and Vice President of International Markets Boon Sian Chai and WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson jointly led presentations on emerging and breakthrough technologies based on Trip.com Group’s Technology Game Changers report.
Themed Technology Game Changers: Future Trends in Travel & Tourism the event examined innovations across key areas as well as the impacts for business leaders and stakeholders navigating the complexities of a rapidly transforming digital environment.
Trip.com COO Schubert Lou led a discussion on leveraging AI-driven personalisation to enhance the customer experience and drive loyalty.
Lou explored the key innovations reshaping industry dynamics while offering insights and strategies to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.
The Trip.com and WTTC panel explored how technology drives personalised travel experiences, reviewing the challenges of balancing mass production with individualisation. Lou noted that AI shapes personalised travel planning for individual travellers and complex package and group travel structures.
ITB Berlin 2025 convenes this week, giving companies like Trip.com Group an opportunity to reinforce commitments to the European market and strengthen partnerships.
Trip.com Group is poised to enhance its role in the region’s travel ecosystem following its recent office locations in Paris and Istanbul, with other offices in London, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Rome and Barcelona. The Group’s European footprint continues to expand, with strong regional growth indicators.
Trip.com Group reported its latest figures, highlighting air ticket and hotel bookings on its international OTA platform increased by over 70% year-over-year. German travel bookings specifically grew by almost 60% year-over-year.
“The European market is significantly shifting towards more personalised travel experiences. To cater to this, Trip.com Group will continue to innovate our technology capabilities so that we can anticipate customer needs and create tailored journeys that enhance the travel experience, ” Trip.com noted in a press statement released during ITB Berlin.
BANGKOK, 6 March 2025: The latest research from International SOS uncovers a “fragmented world”, with 65% of the surveyed senior risk professionals believing risks have increased over the past year, and 69% think geopolitical tensions will likely significantly impact their business or people in 2025.
75% of the primary decision-makers surveyed see social and political unrest as a top risk. 78% think burnout and stress will likely significantly impact their business and/or people in the coming year.
Photo credit: International SOS.
Even in the ongoing ‘permacrisis’ environment, the new research highlights some of the most significant risks, including conflict, geopolitical tensions, and protests, that respondents said they were ill-prepared to address.
International SOS released its ninth edition of the 2025 Risk Outlook Report on Wednesday, revealing essential insights into the mounting organisational and workforce resilience challenges. Over 800 global leaders and specialists identified the key risks that will impact organisations in 2025.
International SOS Global Security Director Sally Llewellyn explains: “The interconnected nature of today’s risks creates an environment where issues escalate quickly and unpredictably. Geopolitical tensions are triggering supply chain disruptions and cyber threats, while misinformation and disinformation amplify confusion, eroding trust within organisations and across borders. These complexities demand a shift from reactive to predictive strategies, leveraging intelligence-driven insights and cross-functional collaboration. While the challenges are significant, organisations that take a systematic approach to understanding and mitigating these layered risks can protect their people and operations and strengthen their resilience in an era of uncertainty.”
Geopolitical tensions: A complex and escalating risk
Geopolitical instability ranks as a top concern for organisations heading into 2025, underscoring the fragility of a deeply interconnected global landscape. Businesses are now contending with an environment where conflicts are not confined to political borders but reverberate across industries, economies, and supply chains.
· 75% of respondents who are primary decision-makers think political and social unrest and protests are likely to significantly impact their business and/or people in the next 12 months.
· 74% of surveyed primary decision-makers also believe that geopolitical tensions are likely to significantly impact their business and/or people in the coming year.
· 73% of surveyed primary decision makers highlight their belief that transport risks and disruptions will likely significantly impact their businesses and/or people in the next year.
The risks are manifesting in varied and often overlapping ways. In Europe, the conflict in Ukraine has destabilised energy markets and fractured political alliances, creating ripples across the continent. In the Middle East, the ongoing crises are intensifying polarisation. Meanwhile, tensions in Asia, including overlapping claims in the South China Sea, threaten critical trade routes that connect the global economy.
Mental health and burnout: The hidden costs of a fragmented world
The increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape is taking a profound toll on mental health, with 65% of participants predicting that political stress and anxiety will have a significant impact on their businesses and/or people in 2025. These pressures are compounded by broader wellness risks that the following percentage of surveyed experts predict are likely to have a significant impact on their business and/or people over the next 12 months:
· Stress and burnout: 78%
· Impact of the cost-of-living crisis: 75%
· Mental health conditions: 70%
· Quiet quitting: 52%
· Climate change anxiety: 45%
International SOS Global Medical Director Dr Irene Lai comments: “The seemingly unstable, unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of global events, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis, are major factors contributing to employee stress and burnout. Businesses that proactively invest in employee wellbeing are building operational resilience. Creating a healthy workplace includes protecting and promoting mental health, which will help employees weather these stresses and drive higher engagement, productivity, and retention – essential for navigating a rapidly changing world.”
Building Resilience in a Fragmenting World
Despite complexities and challenges impacting organisations, there are clear pathways to building resilience. According to the report, resilient organisations share three key characteristics:
Access to actionable intelligence: Decision-makers need timely, relevant, and verified information tailored to their organisation’s specific risks. This is critical in addressing misinformation and disinformation; 27% of participants reported that their organisation has been impacted by misinformation, with a further 32% reporting being unsure if misinformation has impacted their organisation – a potential blind spot.
Integrated risk management platforms: Unified risk management systems streamline processes and enhance the productivity of risk managers. These platforms also enable seamless communication across teams, which can help leaders support their employees when dealing with the impacts of risks such as extreme weather (49% of experts believe that the health impacts of natural disasters and extreme weather events will have a significant impact in 2025). By providing a single platform of reliable information, organisations can respond swiftly to both anticipated and unforeseen risks.
Optimised resource allocation: Consolidating resources allows organisations to prioritise high-risk areas without overextending. For example, 64% of respondents highlight increasing employee expectations about ‘Duty of Care’. This finding makes embedding proactive health, safety, and security measures into operations essential. These investments are vital to addressing current and emerging risks.
GURUGRAM, 5 March 2025: Air India has optimised its international network to offer faster connections to travellers from the UK and the rest of Europe to Australia and Southeast Asia via its hubs in India.
The adjustments reduce connection times to around 2.5 hours. They are part of a ‘Via’ campaign highlighting improved connection times and promoting India as a “world-class” hub.
Photo credit: Air India.
The optimised flight schedule makes Air India flights one of the fastest for travel from Europe to Australia and Southeast Asia, with comfortable transit times at Air India’s hubs in Delhi and Mumbai.
“India’s geographical advantage and impressive airport infrastructure, combined with Air India’s robust route network, offer convenient one-stop access for travellers from the West to East and vice-versa”, said Air India Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal.
Air India’s operations at Terminal 3 Delhi Airport and T2 Mumbai Airport enable same-terminal transfers for guests travelling to Australia and Southeast Asia from the UK and the rest of Europe and vice versa.
SINGAPORE, 6 March 2025: New research from TUI shows that most people have difficulty distinguishing between real and AI-generated images.
AI images can affect consumer trust, although younger people and men are more open to the technology. At the same time, the results show that AI-generated images arouse curiosity and have a similar impact on purchasing decisions as real images. Authentic and user-generated content is key to building trust and influencing customers’ purchasing habits.
Photo credit: TUI.
Appinio conducted the survey in June 2024 on behalf of TUI Musement, the experiences and excursions business unit of TUI Group. The survey compiled data from 1,200 participants in Germany, Spain, and the UK. It was part of TUI’s work to ensure the ethical implementation of AI across its operations. TUI stated that the aim is to use AI to improve the customer and employee experience transparently and responsibly.
“AI is developing rapidly and creating opportunities for the travel industry to increase customer engagement. At the same time, AI must be used ethically. This type of research helps us understand how we can best integrate advanced technology without compromising customer trust,” said TUI Musement CEO Peter Ulwahn
“The results highlight the importance of balancing innovation with transparency. We want to ensure that AI improves the travel experience without negatively impacting trust. Our strategy will continue to be built on authenticity,” he adds.
Key insights from the survey
· Difficulty distinguishing between AI and real images: 22% of respondents in the UK said they could “easily distinguish” between AI-generated and real images, but that number drops to 9% in Germany and Spain. Gen Z and Millennials were more likely to believe they could tell the difference (17%) compared to Gen X (11%) and Baby Boomers (6%). However, the tests showed that all groups had difficulty correctly identifying AI-generated images.
· Impact on trust: AI-generated images sparked “interest” among many participants and led to widespread “scepticism.” Hispanic participants, Baby Boomers, and women were more cautious, while UK participants, Gen Z, younger Millennials, and men were more positive.
· Impact on purchase decisions: AI-generated images were twice as likely to “spark curiosity” but were not considered more persuasive than authentic images in driving purchase decisions. Spanish consumers were particularly sceptical about AI’s impact, while participants from the UK and Germany had a more neutral or positive view.
· Preferred imagery: A majority (88%) believed that a mix of “high-quality professional images” and “authentic, user-generated content” was crucial to building trust and influencing purchasing decisions.
TUI does not currently use any AI-generated destination images on its platforms. In cases where TUI has used AI, such as with the AI-generated global influencer Lena, the background has always consisted of real photos. In addition, TUI always makes it clear when AI is used.
The study provides a deeper understanding of potential future use cases. TUI is already using AI technology to automate and optimise imagery management by classifying and filtering more than 35 million images in its database – mainly hotel and room images. The AI selects the best photos based on technical and aesthetic criteria and identifies themes such as “summer”, “winter” or “pool”.
Future AI uses at TUI include personalised descriptions, targeted content and interactive travel planning for customers.
About TUI Group The TUI Group is one of the world’s leading tourism groups. It is headquartered in Germany and operates worldwide. TUI shares are listed in the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover.
CHENNAI, India: 6 March 2025: In a step towards strengthening tourism ties between Penang and Chennai, India, 11 media organisations from Penang embarked on a media familiarisation trip to Chennai, India, earlier this week.
This initiative aligns with the recent launch of IndiGo Airlines’ direct flights connecting Penang and Chennai, a development poised to enhance tourism and cultural exchange between the two destinations.
Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau Director YB Wong Yuee Harng and Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran promote two-way tourism between Penang and Chennai, India.
The primary objective of the media trip using the IndiGo flights was to generate interest among Penang residents in travelling to Chennai by showcasing the city’s diverse attractions, rich cultural heritage, and travel experiences.
The media delegation visited Mahabalipuram, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase ancient rock-cut temples and intricate sculptures reflecting India’s profound history. They also explored Chennai’s bustling cityscape, where modernity and tradition blend seamlessly, and Kanchipuram, a city renowned for its magnificent temples.
‘The Penang State Government supported the initiative as part of its commitment to establish direct flights between Penang and Chennai,” said Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau Director YB Wong Yuee Harng.
Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran underscored the significance of the initiative. “Through extensive media exposure, we aim to amplify awareness of Chennai’s rich tourism offerings, ensuring the success of these direct flights while fostering deeper collaborations in tourism and business. Strengthening these connections aligns with Penang’s broader vision of expanding its presence in key markets.”
KUCHING, 5 March 2025: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak have officially launched the 28th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) set to take place from 20 to 22 June 2025.
This year’s festival theme is “Connections: One Earth, One Love”, celebrating music’s power to unite cultures, bridge traditions, and foster a shared appreciation for the planet’s diversity.
With last year’s edition attracting a record 26,000 festival-goers, RWMF 2025 aims to surpass that record footfall to solidify the festival’s reputation as a must-experience cultural and world-class music event.
Earth Wind and Fire
Leading this year’s lineup is The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, bringing the timeless legacy of one of the most influential bands in music history to the RWMF stage.
Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) is renowned for its genre-defying sound, blending Funk, Soul, R&B, and Jazz with African rhythms, soaring harmonies, and powerful stage presence. With a career spanning over five decades, EWF has left an indelible mark on the global music scene, earning multiple Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Keeping that legacy alive is Al McKay, a seven-time Grammy Award winner and former EWF musical director, who now leads The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay.
Indigenous music
Joining them is Otyken from Siberia, Russia, an indigenous group known for their powerful throat singing and mastery of rare Siberian instruments. Comprising 10 members, their sound blends the khomys, a wooden stringed instrument used by Siberian nomadic tribes; the vargan, a jaw harp known for its deep, resonating tones; and the morinhur, also called the horsehead fiddle, an instrument deeply tied to Mongolic and Turkic musical traditions.
Representing Sarawak, At Adau from East Malaysia will take centre stage as a Sarawakian headliner at RWMF. The band is known for its dynamic fusion of Sape’s melodies with Bidayuh, Iban, and Orang Ulu percussion, bridging ancestral traditions with modern world music.
Having been with RWMF since 2014, their inclusion as a headliner marks a significant milestone, reflecting RWMF’s ongoing commitment to elevate Sarawak’s musical heritage and position local talent on par with global acts.
Fringe workshops
Beyond the performances, RWMF 2025 offers an immersive festival experience, inviting festival-goers to explore music, culture, and creativity. The Fringe and interactive workshops provide deeper cultural engagement, allowing attendees to connect with performers and learn about musical traditions from around the world.
This year is the first-ever open stage for jam sessions, where festival-goers can step in and play alongside musicians — whether you’re a seasoned performer or just feeling the groove, this stage is open to all. The festival gates will open at 1000, welcoming attendees to a vibrant world of music, culture, and connection.
Connections: One Earth, One Love
This year’s festival strengthens its commitment to sustainability under the theme “Connections: One Earth, One Love,” ensuring that RWMF continues to be a cultural celebration with a conscience. RWMF has made a firm, long-term commitment to carbon offset initiatives, aiming to plant 10,000 trees by 2027, coinciding with the festival’s 30th anniversary.
Ticket sales and tree planting
A portion of ticket sales will directly support this tree-planting initiative, significantly contributing to Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to preserve its rich natural environment.
The festival has implemented a range of eco-friendly initiatives to minimise its environmental footprint. Eco stations will be placed throughout the venue to encourage proper waste separation and recycling, while free water stations will help reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles. For the first time, an expanded network of carbon calculation stations will enable attendees to assess their carbon footprints and receive practical recommendations for carbon offsetting measures.
MAG promo fares
To enhance accessibility for attendees, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly have been named the Official Airline Partners for RWMF 2025, continuing their longstanding partnership with STB in supporting the festival since 2015. In celebration of this collaboration, exclusive promotional fares will be available for festival-goers travelling to Kuching, with promo code MHRWMF25 for Malaysia Airlines and FYRWMF25 for Firefly on selected flights to Kuching. These promo codes will be available when RWMF tickets officially go on for sale.
This initiative reflects the airlines’ commitment to connecting travellers with the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak while ensuring a seamless and elevated travel experience.
Malaysia Aviation Group’s Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines, Dersenish Aresandiran, shared his thoughts on collaboration: “MAG airlines are honoured to continue supporting the highly anticipated 28th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival as the Official Airline Partner, bringing music enthusiasts from around the world to the Land of the Hornbills.
We are delighted to return this year, reaffirming our commitment to fostering cultural exchange and connectivity.
This strategic partnership with the Sarawak Tourism Board underscores our dedication to strengthening Malaysia’s tourism sector and showcasing Sarawak’s unique heritage.
As the Gateway to Asia and Beyond, we remain committed to enhancing accessibility and seamless connectivity, inviting global travellers to immerse themselves in Sarawak’s rich cultural tapestry.
With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, we look forward to continuing our role in enhancing connectivity and providing seamless travel experiences for visitors discovering Malaysia’s diverse cultural and natural attractions.”
Early bird sales
Early bird ticket sales will officially open from 8 March to 31 March 2025. Festival-goers are encouraged to secure their tickets early to enjoy the RWMF experience.
As the countdown to RWMF 2025 begins, music lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travellers are invited to be part of an extraordinary celebration of music, culture, and connection.
With an electrifying lineup, immersive experiences, and a strong commitment to sustainability, this year’s festival promises to be unforgettable.
LANGKAWI, 5 March 2025: The inaugural Malaysia Boat Show (MYBOS) exhibition will be held in Langkawi from 21 to 24 May, 2025, at Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, reports Langkawi Development Authority in a recent Facebook post.
Organised by MyBOS Event Sdn Bhd & Sail Malaysia, the event will underscore the country’s role as a regional shipping hub, attracting maritime enthusiasts worldwide as well as Asia’s luxury super yacht community.
For the first time, Langkawi hosts the Malaysia International Boat Show in conjunction with LIMA (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.
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Show highlights
Besides showcasing luxury yachts from around Asia, the show will enhance collaborations and partnerships, driving boating as a strong emerging leisure tourism sector.
“In collaboration with our esteemed and dedicated partners, we are honoured to embark on a journey of setting new benchmarks and redefining standards of excellence in the maritime industry, the organisers said in a media statement. “ Through the highly anticipated Malaysia Boat Show 2025 (MYBOS ’25), we aim to inspire innovation, foster meaningful connections, and showcase the immense potential of the maritime sector on a global scale. This landmark event reflects our shared commitment to driving progress and shaping the industry’s future.”
The show will present the latest boat technology and a variety of boats on display for sale and charter across all sailing segments, including so-called “Water Toys” — Jetski, flyboard & underwater sea scooter.
Photo credit: LADA. Water toys.
In addition, the show will showcase:
Marine Supplies and Services,including premier yacht charter services; Connect and network with trusted marine suppliers; Sailing Workshops that will enhance sailing skills; A ‘Marine Conference’ will feature keynote speakers and experts in marine technology, as well as sessions led by government agencies and industry partners.
HONG KONG, 5 March 2025: TKS, the organiser of ITE Hong Kong, recently hosted the ITE Hong Kong Outbound Seminar, which targeted Japan’s inbound industry from Hong Kong, at the Tokyo International Forum.
The two-hour seminar was attended by 30 organisations involved in inbound tourism to Japan.
Representatives of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Japan Office, TKS, and Infinity Communications, which has been staging its own Japan Exhibitors Group in ITE for years, spoke at the 2025 seminar.
HKTB highlights Hong Kong’s strengths as an international MICE destination and as the gateway to the Greater Bay Area. With a combined GDP of USD1.97 trillion in 2023, Hong Kong will be the world’s largest MICE destination.
TKS shared Hong Kong outbound statistics that showed a quality recovery in tourism spending through travel from the FIT sector. Nearly half of the trade visitors attending ITE worked with the Greater Bay FIT market.
BERLIN, 5 March 2025: ITB Berlin 2025, which will be held from 4 to 6 March, opened on Tuesday with a cultural celebration by Albania, the official host country.
The extraordinary cultural showcase, set the stage for the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show as high-level political representatives and key figures from the global tourism industry raised the curtain on the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. Hosted at the CityCube Berlin. Under the theme “All Senses”, some 2,500 guests joined the opening event led by Political representatives Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, and Dieter Janecek, Federal Government Coordinator for the Maritime Industry and Tourism. Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), represented the travel industry. Dr Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, represented ITB Berlin.
ITB Berlin 2025 kicks off with optimism in the travel and tourism industry, plus innovations on the global stage. From left to right: Norbert Fiebig, President of the German Travel Association; Dr Mario Tobias, CEO, Messe Berlin; Mirela Kumbaro, Minister of Tourism & Environment of Albania, Edi Rama, Prime Minister, Albania; Mitra Sorrells, SVP, Content, Phocuswright; Blendi Gondxhja, Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation of Albania. Photo credit: ITB Berlin
After the opening ceremony, Albania hosted a culinary reception at the CityCube Berlin, offering guests its renowned cuisine. The exclusive menu, curated by celebrated chef Genti Malaveci, showcased traditional flavours from the Mediterranean nation.
Taking as its slogan ’The World of Travel Lives Here’, ITB Berlin 2025 reports fully booked halls. A record number of 5,800 national and international exhibitors (5% more than in 2024) from over 170 countries underline the global reach of the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, while the ITB Buyers Circle with its 1,300 senior buyers is an indicator of the industry’s upturn.
The bounce back post-Covid pandemic is evident in the key travel segments of cruises and travel technology, for example, but also in the dynamic markets of Southern Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Arab states, with significant growth.
Albania is the designated host country for this year’s show with the slogan ‘Albania All Senses’. Adopting the theme ‘The Power of Transition Lives Here’, the ITB Berlin Convention will address the challenges and opportunities of a changing market with high-profile speakers from companies including Expedia, DERTOUR, Google, Uber, Booking.com, Microsoft Advertising, Wyndham, UN Tourism, TUI, Ryanair and many more. The latest World Travel Monitor findings of IPK International reflect the industry’s upbeat mood.
As ITB Berlin kicks off, the industry is optimistic about the future. According to the latest World Travel Monitor findings of IPK International, outbound travel in 2024 increased by 13%, regaining the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
“This welcome development is also reflected at ITB Berlin, where an optimistic mood and high booking levels further boost the positive outlook. With extensive international participation, innovative show formats and a wide-ranging supporting programme, ITB Berlin also sets the pace in digital networking, efficient dialogue and international cooperation,” said Messe Berlin CEO Dr Mario Tobias. “ITB Berlin 2025 not only promises to be an unrivalled industry experience but also paves the way for future-oriented growth in the global tourism industry”.
ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention and ITB 360° convenes until 6 March. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the world’s leading travel trade show, attracting more than 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries and territories and almost 100,000 visitors. With ITB 360°, the 365-day global innovation hub that is ITB Berlin, now offers the worldwide tourism community year-round insights in the shape of specialist articles, podcasts and other innovative formats.
SINGAPORE, 5 March 2025: Singapore residents continue to prioritise travel, with outbound spending surging in December last year and the recent Lunar New Year holiday week, leading payments technology company Visa reported on Tuesday.
Visa noted that travel spend by Singapore consumers for December and January hit record levels. Supported by a strong Singapore dollar, cross-border spending remains robust across key travel corridors, with notable consumer travel and spending pattern shifts.
Shopping and dining top spend list
Visa’s data highlights that shopping and dining remain top priorities for Singapore travellers, accounting for 61% of their travel spend, while lodging and airline bookings saw strong year-on-year growth as consumers plan for travel.
Retail spending recorded a 14% year-on-year increase, while spending on restaurants and fast food surged by 27 and 30%, respectively. These figures underscore the enduring appeal of overseas shopping and dining experiences for Singapore travellers.[1]
Malaysia, Japan, and Thailand have emerged as the leading travel corridors for cross-border outbound spending, closely followed by South Korea and Australia during the last year-end holidays.
Implementing visa-free travel to China has significantly boosted travel demand, resulting in an 86% year-on-year increase in travel spend in China. This reflects a broader trend of increased regional travel, facilitated by relaxed entry requirements and strong economic ties.
Malaysia has always been the top travel destination for Singapore residents all year round. Based on Visa’s International Travel platform, the top cities that Singaporeans visited include Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Cameron Highlands, Bangkok, Bali and Kota Tinggi (Johor). Last year, Singapore travellers’ card spending in Japan grew 138% compared to pre-pandemic levels.[2]
Visa’s data also highlighted the evolving destination preferences for Singapore residents. Compared to December 2023, Japan and Thailand have secured their place as key travel destinations, while long-haul markets such as the UK, US, and France continue to attract high-spending travellers. South Korea and Thailand are also emerging as healthcare-driven travel destinations, with increasing numbers of Singapore residents seeking medical services abroad. South Korea saw a 58 per cent rise in healthcare-related travel spending.
Japan and Thailand experienced the highest travel spending growth, recording 42 and 29% year-on-year increases, respectively. Meanwhile, Malaysia saw the strongest growth in food and grocery spending at 75% year-on-year, reinforcing its position as a key travel and consumption hub.
“Travel continues to be a key spend category for Visa cardholders in Singapore. Based on a Visa study[3], travel is a top priority for Singapore travellers, surpassing other big-ticket spending items such as vehicles, property, healthcare and luxury goods in terms of importance. This finding is aligned with what we’re seeing from our data, where there is strong cross-border spending growth during year-end and festive periods. We continue to see interest in consumers using cards that can earn airline miles for their spending, as well as other propositions such as zero FX and multi-currency offerings. With the vast data that we see, we can work with our partners to share these key insights and create relevant benefits for our cardholders, making the payment experience seamless and secure when they travel and pay with Visa”, said Visa Country Manager for Singapore & Brunei.Adeline Kim.
As travel planning becomes more strategic, Singaporeans make early bookings to manage costs and secure better deals. Spending on alternative airline carriers, including European and Middle Eastern airlines, rose by 15% year-on-year, indicating a growing preference for diverse flight options. In addition, online lodging bookings increased by 16% year-on-year in December last year.
Top travel destinations during the Lunar New Year holiday similar to year-end of 2024
The top travel destinations during this year’s Lunar New Year holiday are similar to the year-end break, except Indonesia takes the fourth spot, replacing South Korea. During the Lunar New Year holiday week, Singapore travellers took the opportunity to spend the week travelling, with a substantial spike in cross-border spending at 22% growth compared to the week of the Lunar New Year in 2024. eCommerce spending also grew by close to 30% compared to the previous year during the festive period, showing that people were spending more to purchase online, given this year’s Lunar New Year coincides with 2 February.
Malaysia continues to be the top travel corridor, with payment volume growing at 57% compared to the previous Lunar New Year week. The top growing category in Malaysia was jewellery stores, showing over 220% growth compared to last year. Japan comes in second as a preferred destination for Singaporeans. During this ski season, Visa saw a 36% growth in cross-border spending compared to the same festive period the year before. Thailand’s healthcare spending also grew by over 59%.[4]
[1] VisaNet data as of December 2024 and December 2023 [2] Visa International Travel Platform- data as of Q2 – 2024 [3] Visa Green Shoots Radar Survey 2024 (June) [4] VisaNet data as of CNY week in 2025 (27January – 2 February) compared to CNY week in 2024 (10-16 February).
