Singapore — YouTrip conducted the Travel Intent Survey 2020 to analyze post-COVID-19 travel intentions of 6,000 Singaporeans. The survey aimed to understand the outlook of travel recovery and changes to travel behaviors of Singaporeans as a result of the pandemic.

First Travel Destination

With less than 6 months till the end of the year, slightly more than half of the respondents (54%) indicated that they’ll be traveling in 2020 as soon as travel restrictions lift. Another 20% of Singaporeans would be enticed to travel in 2020 if there’s an attractive promotion, suggesting that both border restrictions and prices spur travel recovery. Among Singaporeans with immediate travel intentions within 2020, millennial travelers aged 25 to 34 years old are the most adventurous (35%). Comparatively, only 22% of travelers aged 35 to 44 years and 11% of travelers aged 55 to 64 years old expect to travel within the year.

Caecilia Chu, Co-Founder and CEO of YouTrip said: “It’s encouraging to see signs of travel recovering after months of pent up demand. Within our community of users, many of them are avid travelers who I believe will be amongst the first movers for the initial travel recovery.”

Caecilia Chu, Co-Founder and CEO of YouTrip
Caecilia Chu, Co-Founder and CEO of YouTrip

Popular countries like Japan (23%), Thailand (12%), and Malaysia (11%) remain top choices for Singaporeans, followed by Australia (8%), South Korea (7%), Taiwan (6%), Mainland China (5%), New Zealand (4%), Indonesia (4%), and Vietnam (2%). As for COVID-19 hotspot countries, 25% more Singaporeans are willing to travel there in the first half of 2021 (40%) as compared to 2020 (15%), signaling a gradual recovery of tourism in the most affected countries.

The New-Normal in Travelling

As an indicator of the pent up demand for travel, 85% of Singaporeans are prepared to spend more on their next holiday. 4 in 10 Singaporeans are willing to budget 30% or more for their upcoming travel plans as a way to compensate previously canceled plans.

The Chief Economist from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Brian Pearce estimates that flight tickets will cost 43% to 54% higher than previous prices due to in-flight social distancing policies. Even though Singaporeans have expressed their enthusiasm for their next holiday, most of them are value-driven when it comes to transport expenses. 72% of respondents said they will be deterred by higher flight ticket prices and would wait for promotional prices before making their travel plans.

This is echoed in 58% of respondents stating that promotional prices will entice them to resume traveling in 2020, further suggesting that Singaporeans are value-driven. “Pay Now, Travel Later” promotions seem to be a viable option for Singaporeans, with more than 70% indicating that they will be keen to purchase if the discounts are at least half-priced or more. Other factors that could influence their purchase include the flexibility of stay and eligibility for full refunds.

“We’re taking the time to anticipate and understand the new-normal of travel, and the different ways it’ll impact travelers. With this understanding, YouTrip will be ready to better serve our users’ needs once travel resumes,” Caecilia adds.

Alternatives to Travel Plans

In view of canceled travel plans in 2020, 28% of respondents stated that they’ll be saving the money instead. Local staycation (15%), shopping (14%), and visiting local tourist attractions (5%) are amongst alternative options for Singaporeans.

SINGAPORE — YouTrip, Singapore’s multi-currency mobile wallet has launched #CraftWithLove. An initiative that aims to raise awareness and garner support for the many in the creative community who have lost their gigs and job opportunities due to COVID-19.

Since its inception, YouTrip has gained support from its community. Much of this support had been championed by creatives of various disciplines, travel content creators, music producers, illustrators to craft artists, sharing their inspirations from around the world with YouTrip. During a crucial time as such, YouTrip recognises the importance of raising awareness to support these creatives, ensuring their craft can survive through the crisis.

Caecilia Chu, Co-Founder and CEO of YouTrip, said: “Many local creatives are our best advocates, showing ardent support of YouTrip through their content. Now more than ever, they are at the top of our minds and #CraftWithLove is our way of going the extra mile to support them during this crisis.”

Lending a Voice to Local Creatives

At its core, #CraftWithLove is a dedicated platform set up for Singapore creatives to showcase their creations. Doubling up as a creative marketplace, the public is able to browse and purchase an item or a service directly from the creatives. Payment will be made directly to the featured creatives, serving as a source of income for them during these times.

Within the first day of launch, YouTrip has amassed over 100 sign-ups from local creatives to be part of #CraftWithLove. YouTrip will continue to take in submissions from creatives with various crafts and talents to be featured.

“Through our strengths in marketing and the support of our very own YouTrip community, it’s definitely a heartening and proud moment for us to rally Singaporeans to support our local creatives when they need it the most,” Chu added.

Image Credit: YouTrip