According to More Singaporeans heading overseas for CNY with bookings almost back to pre-pandemic levels | The Straits Times, The Chinese New Year, which falls on January 22nd in 2023, will be observed by many Singaporeans away from home. Several travel businesses have observed an increase in abroad travel, with some claiming the demand is equivalent to pre-pandemic levels. This is because international borders have been reopened, Covid-19 limitations have been loosened, and there is a long weekend over the holiday season.
Chan Brothers Travel's senior marketing communications manager, Mr. Jeremiah Wong, reported that the travel company has experienced a sevenfold rise in CNY 2023 bookings compared to CNY in 2022. According to him, 85% of clients who were traveling abroad before the epidemic are now doing so during CNY. The top three vacation destinations are South Korea, Japan, and Europe, with an eight-day trip being the norm. Travelers can enjoy a long weekend because the CNY in 2023 occurs on a Sunday and Monday and Tuesday are designated as public holidays.
Wong has observed that more families are opting to travel together and are more willing to stay away from home for extended periods of time to make up for the pandemic's travel ban. Additionally, more tourists want to experience the distinctive Spring Festival atmosphere abroad.
According to More Singaporeans heading overseas for CNY with bookings almost back to pre-pandemic levels | The Straits Times, several travel agencies have planned festive itineraries that include cherry blossom viewing in Taiwan and localized versions of reunion dinners on its CNY excursions to Taiwan and South Korea. Online travel agencies noted a related pattern.
The number of Singaporeans traveling abroad for CNY has climbed about seven times since 2022, according to Tripadvisor spokesman Mr. Ferguson, placing the amount on par with pre-pandemic levels. Travelers are planning nine out of ten overseas visits, up from around five out of ten in 2022.
According to Rajaram, representative for Expedia, CNY has long been a popular time for Asians, especially Singaporeans, to go abroad. On its platform, Singaporeans frequently book three- to four-day vacations to the major tourism destinations in Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, and Thailand.
