SINGAPORE, Oct 10: A new generation of Asian travellers who are pursuing travel that will enable them to better understand their identity has emerged, a research by the Hilton hospitality group shows.
Dubbed as the ‘GenerAsian traveller’, they are Asians inspired by self-discovery and have a desire for a deeper understanding of their own cultural and ancestral heritage through travel, said the global survey.
A resounding number of travellers across Asia have expressed a growing confidence for self-exploration, said Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report.
In Singapore, a staggering 87% of respondents reported they feel proud about the rising popularity of their country of origin as a coveted travel destination, with 92% feeling honored about the international popularity and appreciation for Asian food, design, and culture.
This shift in global taste can be attributed to globalisation, where international audiences have better accessibility and insight into Asia through pop culture and social media.
From the island city serving as the backdrop of top-grossing Hollywood films, to its restaurants receiving internationally renowned recognition, Singapore has maintained itself as one of the top travel destinations for global travelers, welcoming an estimated 2.9 million international visitors in just the first quarter of 2023.
“We’re constantly monitoring the travel preferences of different generations to create tailored experiences that cater to their unique needs and desires. Fueled by a sense of pride that Asian food, design, and culture are gaining popularity globally, we know this will hold even greater significance and interest for travelers in the upcoming year,” Ben George, senior vice president and commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton commented.
“In fact, our research found that 79% of Singaporean travellers are seeking to better understand their own heritage through travel, with 85% looking to learn more about other Asian cultures. We believe that the heart of a great trip is a great stay, and so we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions to ensure our guests can fully immerse themselves in both our hotels and their communities,” he added.
Priorities differ among travellers when it comes to selecting their accommodation. For some, convenience might be key, but for others, price remains at top of mind. In line with their travel motivations, Singaporeans are more likely than travelers from other countries surveyed to book their accommodations based on access to unique local experiences.
In fact, a substantial 70% of Singapore respondents indicated that they are likely to do so, compared to the 65% average across all countries surveyed in Hilton’s global study .
When it comes to the types of experiences Singapore travelers seek during their trips, 92% of respondents unequivocally ranked exploring local and traditional food and beverage as the most important to them.
A strong majority (84%) also indicated a desire to connect with the local community when they travel, and gain a deeper understanding of the local history and heritage of the destination they travel to, suggesting a reassuring desire for more authentic travel experiences.
Food and beverage also showed as a unifying passion point across Asia, with respondents across Singapore, China, India, and Japan all ranking culinary experiences as the top budget priority for their travel plans next year.
To ensure they are able to prioritise travel in the coming year, and true to their reputation of being avid travelers, more than two-thirds of Singaporeans (74%) are reducing spending on other areas of their life, which is considerably higher than the global average of 64%.
Travellers in Singapore are also more inclined than the majority of their global counterparts to spend more on travel in 2024 than they did in 2023 (73% in Singapore versus 65% globally).
“At Hilton, we’ve noticed a rising interest in self-discovery and the desire for an even deeper understanding of one’s heritage, and this will be an even more important consideration for travelers in 2024.
Interestingly, 74% of Singaporeans reported they will prioritise traveling in the next 12 months, supporting this notion of the GenerAsian traveller and their passion to explore,” said Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
The report uncovers four themes expected to be the catalysts of change and innovation for travel in 2024 and beyond:
1. Travellers Will Invest in Their Sleep: Gen Zs are the most intentional about winding down, with 21% regulating their workout routine, and 25% avoiding alcohol before bedtime. In Singapore, 31% of respondents shared they listen to music or podcasts and chose a trusted hotel brand with consistent mattress quality as their top sleep considerations.
2. Travellers Will Value Connectivity and Personalisation: 80% of global travelers surveyed said it’s important to be able to book their trip entirely online, with 86% of Millennials and 83% of Gen Zs leading the charge. In Singapore, 87% of travelers also agreed, with 91% of Millennials and Gen Zs driving these expectations.
3. Culture and Experiences Will Drive Leisure Travel Decisions: Across generations, travelers’ top focus is on culinary (49% globally, 52% in Singapore) as well as exploration and adventure experiences (47% globally, 49% in Singapore). In Singapore, Gen Xs and Gen Zs (54% for both) are the most passionate about their dining budget plans, while Gen Zs (58%) and Millennials (50%) are carving out more budget for exploration and adventure experiences than other generations.
4. Business Travel Trends Will Redefine Expectations: More than a third of Gen Z and Millennial business travelers say they plan to extend a business trip to enjoy leisure time before or after their work obligations, and 24% of global business travelers plan to take a friend or family member with them on a business trip next year.
— BERNAMA