Singapore

Market Overview Overseas travel is an important part of the Singapore lifestyle and common practice. Free Independent Travel (FIT) from this market is growing at the expense of group travellers.

Visitors from Singapore contributed NZ$62 million to the New Zealand economy in the year ended March 2008, making it our 10th largest market in terms of visitor expenditure.

New Zealand is a popular holiday choice for Singaporeans seeking an escape from life in the concrete jungle. Travellers from this market enjoy New Zealand’s open space, scenery and fresh air. Many Singaporeans have the financial means to enjoy premium travel, making them a valuable high-yield market for New Zealand.

Outlook

The economic slow-down in the United States and Europe has negatively affected Singapore. Economic growth in 2008 is expected to be lower than 3 per cent, with zero growth expected in 2009.

With good value for money, demand for travel to New Zealand remains strong and confidence in the group tour market is returning. However access to airline seats has been difficult as through traffic to/from Europe and New Zealand has been given precedence over local originating traffic. This demand is now easing and, in recent months, we have seen an improvement in arrivals performance as a result.

Positively, Singapore Airlines has introduced some increased frequency of services on the Singapore - Auckland route with 19 per cent more flights expected in 2008.

Tourism New Zealand is currently working with Channel News Asia on the production of a series of New Zealand travel and lifestyle programmes to boost New Zealand’s profile in this strong FIT market.

The industry expects good growth over the summer season with the economy likely to be buoyed by the hosting of the Youth Olympic Games and several major infrastructure projects.

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