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http://blogs.straitstimes.com/2009/2/19/bitten-by-the-travel-bug
Bitten by the travel bug
February 19, 2009 Thursday, 04:28 PM
Carolyn Hong finds out why some M'sians are still holidaying this recession.
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IN KUALA LUMPUR
BUFFETED by endless political crises and dreary economic news, some Malaysians are seeing holidays as a much-needed respite despite having to tighten the belt.
Hard times or no, both Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have both reported a sharp spike in bookings during their travel promotions this month.
This comes amidst a stream of gloomy news as government data shows manufacturing sales sinking 21 per cent in December from a year earlier, exports down 15 per cent, and imports sliding 23 per cent.
Malaysia Airlines, which held a 10-day sale, said its online bookings tripled. It said the response has been "overwhelming" although it did not provide the exact number of sales.
The top five destinations are Sydney, Melbourne, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing.
AirAsia, which held a 500,000 free seats promotion, said it sold 279,000 seats on last Tuesday alone, its highest ever in a single day. About 40 per cent of these came from the promotion.
Times may be hard, but some travelers say they need the holiday to keep sane.
A political aide, who does not want to be named (for obvious reasons!) said he recently booked a trip to two-week trip to New Zealand in May because "I need a break from the crazy politics of this country."
"I need to get away, somewhere, anywere, it doesn't matter," he said.
He felt that it would be money well spent, especially as fares are cheaper than last year.
The competition between Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia has driven prices down, while fuel surcharges have also been scrapped or lowered as global oil prices plunged.
"It seems like a bargain to fly nowadays so it is very tempting to go on holidays all the time," said executive Ms Sarah Hussin, 32, who is going to Australia soon, and London in a few months. This is besides the short weekend hops to nearby destinations.
Travelling with her husband and young daughter, she said she hasn't really been affected by the economy, and felt that she should travel while she could.
"I may regret it later but I think I can still afford to treat myself for now," she said.
The travel bug is still biting, it seems.
Bitten by the travel bug
February 19, 2009 Thursday, 04:28 PM
Carolyn Hong finds out why some M'sians are still holidaying this recession.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IN KUALA LUMPUR
BUFFETED by endless political crises and dreary economic news, some Malaysians are seeing holidays as a much-needed respite despite having to tighten the belt.
Hard times or no, both Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have both reported a sharp spike in bookings during their travel promotions this month.
This comes amidst a stream of gloomy news as government data shows manufacturing sales sinking 21 per cent in December from a year earlier, exports down 15 per cent, and imports sliding 23 per cent.
Malaysia Airlines, which held a 10-day sale, said its online bookings tripled. It said the response has been "overwhelming" although it did not provide the exact number of sales.
The top five destinations are Sydney, Melbourne, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing.
AirAsia, which held a 500,000 free seats promotion, said it sold 279,000 seats on last Tuesday alone, its highest ever in a single day. About 40 per cent of these came from the promotion.
Times may be hard, but some travelers say they need the holiday to keep sane.
A political aide, who does not want to be named (for obvious reasons!) said he recently booked a trip to two-week trip to New Zealand in May because "I need a break from the crazy politics of this country."
"I need to get away, somewhere, anywere, it doesn't matter," he said.
He felt that it would be money well spent, especially as fares are cheaper than last year.
The competition between Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia has driven prices down, while fuel surcharges have also been scrapped or lowered as global oil prices plunged.
"It seems like a bargain to fly nowadays so it is very tempting to go on holidays all the time," said executive Ms Sarah Hussin, 32, who is going to Australia soon, and London in a few months. This is besides the short weekend hops to nearby destinations.
Travelling with her husband and young daughter, she said she hasn't really been affected by the economy, and felt that she should travel while she could.
"I may regret it later but I think I can still afford to treat myself for now," she said.
The travel bug is still biting, it seems.
