Saturday October 18, 2008
Online accommodation website Wotif.com discovers that Malaysian travellers are sociable and adventurous.
Malaysian travellers don’t like to skimp on accommodation, love pampering and want to explore new places when they travel, according Wotif.com’s survey of more than 200 respondents.
According to Wotif.com Malaysian manager, Rani Vaithlingim, “Malaysians are keen travellers and increasingly book their accommodation through Wotif.com, so we wanted to find out exactly what they look for when they travel.
“It was great to see how adventurous and easy-going most respondents are and encouraging to note their pride in Malaysia and keenness to explore their own country,” she added.
Results from the findings include:
Research and accommodation
The Internet is the most popular place to search for more information when preparing for a holiday (68% of respondents). Females and respondents aged 65+ are more inclined to go on the recommendation of family and friends, but still rely mostly on the Internet.
Most respondents don’t cut costs on accommodation. More than 60% say they like comfort and don’t skimp and 23% admit they will splurge for luxury.
A recommendation from a friend is not the most important factor when choosing holiday accommodation, according to respondents. Location, price and hotel amenities are the crucial factors.
Adventurous and social
Of the survey respondents, 54% like to explore new destinations when travelling, while 37% are flexible with their plans. Respondents with children tend to be less flexible and more likely to return to the same location.
Malaysians are social travellers with 96% of respondents opting to travel with their partner, friends or family. The 4% who travel alone, prefer it because they can be entirely independent and meet new people.
Unspoilt destinations and great food
Many Malaysians don’t believe that celebrity sightings or designer shops make a destination stylish.
Almost 60% of respondents think stunning scenery makes a destination stylish, followed by being unspoilt or uncrowded (24%). Another important “style factor” for respondents is great food.
The top 10 most stylish destinations voted:
Most stylish local destinations
- Kuala Lumpur
- Langkawi
- Pulau Redang
- Penang
- Sabah
- Pulau Sipadan
- Cameron Highlands
- Pulau Pangkor
- Kota Kinabalu
- Malacca
Most stylish destinations in the world
- Paris
- Japan
- New York
- Italy
- Egypt
- Sydney
- Malaysia
- Hawaii
- Bali
- Switzerland
Pampered at beach destinations
Beaches are the favourite type of destination for a leisure break and preferred by 55% of respondents, followed by 35% who prefer the country, 29% who opt for city breaks and 17% who like to retreat to the mountains.
You will find Malaysians in spas and restaurants when on holidays, with pampering, luxury and dining in great restaurants being their favourite activities. Next most popular is adventure activities and attending events or festivals.
Travel wish list
The number one country that Malaysians want to visit but have never been is Japan, followed by Australia and then destinations in Malaysia including Sarawak, Langkawi, KL and Labuan.
Top countries that Malaysians would like to holiday in but have not yet been are:
- Japan
- Australia
- Egypt
- France
- New Zealand
- Canada
- South Africa
- Greece
- Italy
More than half of the respondents claim they have not visited these destinations because it is too expensive and almost a quarter of the respondents haven’t had time to spare from work.
“With sites offering travellers discounted rates on accommodation and the introduction and growing popularity of low-cost airlines, travel is opening up for Malaysians,” says Rani.
“The Internet, magazines and newspapers also offer a wealth of information on discovering new destinations, so the world is now their oyster in terms of travel,” she adds.
Wotif.com sells accommodation online in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, Europe and the United States. ---- The Star Lifestyle
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