MasterIndex of Travel Survey Results for the Second Half of 2006

MasterIndex of Travel survey results for the second half of 2006 - market specific highlights: (see also: China Retains Top Spot as Most Frequently Visited Destination for Business Travel in Latest MasterIndex of Travel Survey)

AUSTRALIA

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the Second Half of 2006:
• 5.5% year-on-year growth
• 2.7 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 (42%), followed by the Internet (37%) and travel agents (21%)
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were falling sick with no proper medical facilities (52%), followed by security and safety issues (51%) and losing one's credit cards or bank cards (50%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were experiencing different cultures (81%), general sightseeing and scenic spots (78%), and rest and relaxation (74%).
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included apparel and personal effects (64%), followed by local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (54%) and luxury items/jewelry/branded goods (30%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Australian travelers was Europe (66%). Survey on Business Travel
• 40% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more as compared to the previous period.
• Europe (33%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by USA (24%) and, Singapore and New Zealand at 18%.
• Majority of business travelers (39%) make their own travel arrangement.
• Qantas (64%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Singapore Airlines (9%) and Emirates (6%).
• International five-star or higher end hotels (39%) were most preferred for business travel, together with international four-star hotels (33%), followed by three-star/medium priced hotels (15%).

CHINA

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the Second Half of 2006:
• 12.5% year-on-year growth
• 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 travel agents (68%), followed by the Internet (42%) and word of mouth (28%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were language barriers/communication problems (43%), followed by losing one's passport (37%) and, security and safety issues (33%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing and scenic spots (75%), shopping (55%) and experiencing different cuisines (41%).
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (71%), followed by apparel and personal effects (64%), and food items (30%).
• The favorite personal travel destinations for the Chinese travelers were Europe (35%)and Australia (26%).
Survey on Business Travel
• 28% 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 (38%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Singapore (22%) and Japan (17%).
• Majority of business travelers (47%) used a travel arrangement company engaged by their company when making business travel arrangements.
• Air China (54%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by China Southern Airlines (14%) and China Eastern Airlines (11%).
• International four-star hotels (38%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by three-star/medium priced hotels (37%) and international five-star or higher end hotels (11%).

HONG KONG

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the First Half of 2006:
• 15% year-on-year growth
• 3.3 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 (53%), followed by internet (34%) and word of mouth (29%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (74%), followed by losing one’s passport (18%) and language barriers (17%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing (57%), shopping (39%) and entertainment (33%).
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (58%), followed by apparel and personal effects (27%) and food items (21%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Hong Kong travelers was Japan (43%).
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 (48%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Taiwan (16%) and Thailand (14%).
• Majority of business travelers (60%) used their company’s in-house travel department for making business travel arrangements.
• Cathay Pacific (55%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Dragon Air (13%) and Singapore Airlines (7%).
• International five-star or higher end hotels (53%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international four-star hotels (22%) and international five-star spa and resorts (13%).

INDONESIA

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the Second Half of 2006:
• 6% year-on-year growth
• 2.4 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 (80%), followed by the Internet (40%) and familiarity with place (31%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (69%), followed by losing one’s passport (49%) and being cheated (48%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were shopping (72%), entertainment (66%) and visiting family/relatives/friends (59%).
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included apparel and personal effects (73%), followed by local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (72%) and electronic and audio visual products (48%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Indonesian travelers was Singapore (72%).
Survey on Business Travel
• 18% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period.
• Singapore (67%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Australia (24%) and Malaysia (22%).
• Majority of business travelers (59%) used their company’s in-house travel department for making business travel arrangements.
• Garuda Indonesian Airways (52%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Singapore Airlines (22%) and China Airlines (6%).
• Service apartments (25%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international five-star spa and resorts (21%) and international four-star hotels (19%).

JAPAN

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the Second Half of 2006:
• 3.8% year-on-year growth
• 9.4 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 (49%), followed by travel agents (40%) and by word of mouth (22%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (59%), followed by language barriers/communication problems (32%), and falling sick without proper medical facilities (21%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing and scenic spots (63%), experiencing different cuisines (26%) and shopping (21%).
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (54%), food items (30%) and apparel and personal effects (27%).
• The favorite personal travel destinations for Japanese travelers were Europe (44%) and USA (42%).
Survey on Business Travel
• 22% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period.
• USA (31%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by China (25%) and Europe (22%).
• Majority of business travelers (50%) make their own travel arrangement.
• ANA (38%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Japan Airlines (31%) and Singapore Airlines/ Malaysia Air (6% each).
• International four-star hotels (44%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by three-star/medium priced hotels (25%) and international five-star or higher end hotels (13%).

KOREA

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the Second Half of 2006:
• 9% year-on-year growth
• 5.8 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 (53%), followed by travel agents (44%) and the Internet (24%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were language barriers/ communication problems (52%), followed by security and safety issues (44%) and losing one’s passport (22%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing and scenic spots (61%), visiting historical sites/museums/art centers (41%) and shopping (37%).
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included apparel and personal effects (57%), local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (29%) and luxury items/ jewelry/ branded goods (22%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Korean travelers was Europe (41%).
Survey on Business Travel
• 11% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period.
• China (36%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Japan (26%) and USA (13%).
• Majority of business travelers (45%) used a travel arrangement company engaged by their company.
• Korean Airlines (57%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Asiana (28%) and British Airways (4%).
• International four-star hotels and three-star/medium priced hotels (32% each) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international five-star or higher end hotels (14%), then international five-star or spa and resorts (11%).

MALAYSIA

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the Second Half of 2006:
• 12.5% year-on-year growth
• 22.1 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 (79%), followed by travel promotions/fairs (42%) and travel guides/travel books/travel brochures (36%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (68%), followed by losing one’s passport (58%) and language barriers/communication problems (46%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were shopping (80%), entertainment (65%) and general sightseeing and scenic spots (49%). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included apparel and personal effects (65%), local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (57%) and food items (46%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Malaysian travelers was Singapore (33%) and China (30%).
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.
• Singapore (46%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by China (30%) and Indonesia (24%).
• Majority of business travelers (39%) used their company’s in-house travel department for making business travel arrangements.
• Malaysian Airlines (70%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Singapore Airlines (15%) and Cathay Pacific (9%).
• International five-star spa and resorts (42%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international four-star hotels and three-star/medium priced hotels (18% each) and by international five-star or higher end hotels (12%).

NEW ZEALAND

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the Second Half of 2006:
• 2.3% year-on-year growth
• 1 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 from the Internet (41%), followed by the word of mouth (37%) and travel agents (17% each).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were losing one's wallet/ pocket book and losing one's credit cards/ bank cards (44% each), followed by security and safety issues (40%) and falling sick without proper medical facilities (38%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were rest and relaxation and general sightseeing and scenic spots (63% each), visiting family/relatives/friends (62%) and experiencing different cultures (61%).
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included apparel and personal effects (73%), local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (42%) and luxury items/ jewelry/ branded goods (29%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for New Zealander travelers was Europe (58%).
Survey on Business Travel
• 48% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period.
• Australia (72%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Europe and USA (18% each), Singapore and Malaysia (6% each).
• Majority of business travelers (42%) make their own travel arrangements.
• Air New Zealand (45%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Qantas (21%) and Singapore Airlines (16%).
• International five-star or higher end hotels (24%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international four-star hotels and three-star/medium priced hotels (22% each) and serviced apartments (15%).

PHILIPPINES

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the Second Half of 2006:
• 4.5% year-on-year growth
• 0.9 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 (59%), followed by travel agents (23%) and, the Internet and familiarity with place (14% each).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (55%), followed by losing one’s wallet/ pocket book and running out of cash (18% each) and language barriers/ communication problems and losing one's passport (14% each).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing and scenic spots (55%), shopping (50%) and rest and relaxation (46%).
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included apparel and personal effects (77%), local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (32%) and electronic and audio visual products (23%)
• Filipino travelers preferred traveling to Hong Kong (55%).
Survey on Business Travel
• 35% of business travelers said that over the last 12 months, there was the need to travel more compared to the previous period.
• Thailand (30%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Singapore (25%) and Malaysia (20%)
• Majority of business travelers (50%) used their company's in-house travel department for making business travel arrangements.
• Philippine Airlines (55%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by Cathay Pacific (15%) and Northwest (10%).
• International five-star or higher end hotels (45%), three-star/ medium priced hotels and local economy hotels (15% each) and international four-star hotels (10%) were most preferred for business travel.

SINGAPORE

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the Second Half of 2006:
• 4.8% year-on-year growth
• 2.7 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 (52%), followed by travel agents (48%) and travel/lifestyle magazine/newspapers (41%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (75%), followed by losing one's passport (40%) and falling sick with no proper medical facilities (35%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were rest and relaxation (54%), general sightseeing and scenic spots (48%) and shopping (43%). 
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included apparel and personal effects (61%), food items (58%) and local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (51%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Singaporean travelers was Europe (34%). 
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.
• China (45%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Hong Kong (27%) and Indonesia (24%).
• Majority of business travelers (67%) used their company’s in-house travel department
for making business travel arrangements.
• Singapore Airlines (65%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by China Eastern Airlines (11%) and, Japan and Malaysian Air (5% each).
• International four-star hotels (56%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international five-star spa and resorts (26%) and international five-star or higher end hotels (7%).

TAIWAN

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the Second Half of 2006:
• 5.3% year-on-year growth
• 4.4 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 (52%), followed by word of mouth (43%) and travel/ lifestyle magazine/ newspapers (25%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were losing one's passport (65%), followed by security and safety issues, losing one's wallet/ pocket book (61% each) and losing one's credit cards/ bank cards (58%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing and scenic spots, rest and relaxation (87% each), experiencing different cultures (85%) and experiencing different cuisines, visit historical sites/ museum/ art centres (79% each).
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (72%), apparel and personal effects (54%) and food items (52%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Taiwanese travelers was Japan (54%).
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.
• China (70%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Hong Kong (17%) and, Japan and USA (11% each).
• Majority of business travelers (42%) make their own travel arrangement.
• EVA Air (32%) was the most preferred airline for business travel, followed by China Airlines (26%) and Cathay Pacific (23%).
• International four-star hotels (28%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by international five-star or higher end hotels (25%) and three-star/medium priced hotels (17%).

THAILAND

Forecast on Outbound Travel for the Second Half of 2006:
• 6.7% year-on-year growth
• 1.6 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 (27%) and travel agents (26%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (68%), followed by losing one's passport (30%) and language barriers/communication problems (18%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were shopping (53%), general sightseeing and scenic spots (48%) and visiting historical sites/museums/art centers (46%).
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included local apparel and personal effects (57%), souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (56%) and luxury items/jewelries/ branded goods (25%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Thai travelers was Europe (30%) and China (29%).
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 (27%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Singapore (21%) and Japan (17%).
• Majority of business travelers (37%) used company's in-house travel department when making business travel arrangements.
• Thai Airways (65%) was the most preferred airline for business travel followed by Singapore Airlines (8%) and, Japan and Cathay Pacific (3% each).
• International four-star hotels (44%) were most preferred for business travel, followed by three-star/medium priced hotels (20%) and international five-star or higher end hotels (15%).

VIETNAM

No forecast being made for Vietnam
Survey on Personal Travel
• Key sources of information used by travelers in planning their trips were travel agents (47%), followed by word of mouth (46%) and the Internet (32%).
• Top concerns for travelers when traveling to a foreign destination were security and safety issues (46%), followed by language barriers/ communication problems (32%) and not being able to get the right kind of food and water (28%).
• The main activities travelers engaged in when traveling were general sightseeing and scenic spots (53%), shopping (39%) and entertainment (36%).
• Most preferred shopping items for travelers when abroad included apparel and personal effects (60%), local souvenirs/antiques/arts and crafts (54%) and luxury items/ jewelry/ branded goods (31%).
• The favorite personal travel destination for Vietnamese travelers was China (47%). 
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.
• Singapore (44%) was the most frequently visited destination, followed by Thailand (33%) and China (30%).
• Majority of business travelers (75%) used their company’s in-house travel department when making business travel arrangements.
• Vietnam Air (56%) was the most preferred airline for business travel followed by Singapore Airlines (18%) and Cathay Pacific (5%).
• International five-star or higher end hotels (36%) were m ost preferred for business travel, followed by three-star/ medium priced hotels (26%) and international four-star hotels (19%).

See Also: China Retains Top Spot as Most Frequently Visited Destination for Business Travel in Latest MasterIndex of Travel Survey

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