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agoda: Solo travel taking off in Singapore

agoda booking data finds 42% growth in one-person bookings from 2015-2017, revealing the growing ambitions of the adventurous independent traveler
agoda
2018-01-23 14:44 1341

SINGAPORE, Jan. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- agoda, one of the world's fastest-growing online travel booking platforms, has found travelers in Singapore are increasingly traveling solo. agoda's booking data shows there was a 42% increase in one-person bookings since 2015.

The top international destination for solo Singaporean travelers in 2017 was Japan, accounting for almost 20% of all international solo bookings, with 33% year-on-year growth. Although, notably, this is the first year since 2012 that Japan has beaten Malaysia in the solo traveler ranking, reinforcing the growing love affair of holidaying in Japan amongst Singaporeans.

Interestingly, these adventurous solo travelers are exploring beyond the popular cities of Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka - the tropical paradise of Okinawa was the fastest growing Japanese destination amongst solo Singaporean travelers, with 88% growth in 2017.

agoda's Global Director for Brand and Communications, Andrew Edwards, explains: "With food and accommodation options for every budget, hospitable locals, and diverse experiences on offer, Japan is the perfect solo travel destination. In recent years, we've seen the rising popularity of capsule hotels, catering for solo travelers who want a budget-friendly way to explore the rich tradition and unique eccentricities of Japan."

Thailand was identified as the fastest growing destination for solo travelers, with 34% year-on-year growth in 2017. Specifically, the charming laid back town of Khao Yai, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, experienced 186% growth amongst Singaporean solo travelers in 2017.

The increasing number of solo travelers reflects the undeniable shift occurring in the travel industry. Google trends reports solid growth in interest in solo travel over the past 10 years, with July 2017 seeing the most searches for 'solo travel' ever on Google.

"As the far-flung corners of the world are becoming easier to reach, travelers are more willing to experience destinations with the freedom that comes from traveling alone, allowing them to fully immerse themselves amongst a new culture. Solo travelers can completely absorb the culture of their chosen destination and make choices based on their own preferred experiences, creating a whole new sense of freedom," said Edwards.

About the Research

agoda one-person booking data was collated between January 2015 and December 2017. 

About agoda

agoda (Nasdaq:PCLN) is one of the world's fastest-growing online travel booking platforms.

 

Source: agoda
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