Press Room: Media Releases

BANGKOK, 27 January 2009: Despite major events in different parts of Asia and the economic crisis, online accommodation website, Wotif.com’s sales continued to grow for all Asian destinations in 08, with little change in the list of top destinations in terms of bookings*.

Wotif Group Executive General Manager for Asia, Sii Eawsakul said Asian destinations are generally perceived as value-for-money for travellers and with strong support from Asian travellers, and Wotif.com’s Australian following, bookings for Asia continue to grow.

“The top Asian regions, in terms of bookings received during 2008 were consistent from last year, with the exception of Indonesia moving up two spots to take fifth position,” said Sii.

Top Asian Regions 2008
1. Thailand
2. Singapore
3. Hong Kong
4. Malaysia
5. Indonesia
6. China
7. Vietnam
8. Japan
9. Macau
10. Cambodia

Cities offer year-round appeal and of the top destinations, the larger metropolises faired best, with Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur taking the top four spots consistent with last year.

Top Asian Destinations 2008
1. Singapore
2. Hong Kong
3. Bangkok
4. Kuala Lumpur
5. Phuket
6. Bali
7. Ho Chi Minh City
8. Shanghai
9. Koh Samui
10. Hanoi

Looking forward, travel within Asia should be well supported by Asian travellers in 2009, as the results of Wotif.com’s online survey, with more than 750 responses, showing Asian destinations dominating their travel wish lists for the coming year**.

Travel Wish List – Top Regions
1. Malaysia
2. Hong Kong
3. Japan
4. Thailand
5. Singapore
6. China
7. Australia
8. USA
9. Indonesia
10. France

Travel Wish List - Top Destinations
1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore
3. Kuala Lumpur
4. Langkawi
5. Phuket
6. London
7. Bali
8. Bangkok
9. Tokyo
10. Shanghai

“The results of our survey of Asian travellers show most respondents wish to travel to destinations within Asia and closer to home rather than travelling long haul.

“It is great to see the support for local tourism within Asia and is encouraging for the many wonderful destinations that are available through our site,” said Sii.

-ends-

Notes to Editor
*Statistics are taken from all bookings made through Wotif.com for stays between 1 January and 31 December 2008.
**Results are from an online survey of Asian travelers conducted by Wotif.com which had 761 responses.