S$100 million spent at Singapore's NATAS travel fair

Recession, what recession?

Singaporeans seem oblivious to the uncertain global economic outlook as they spent S$100 million (US$82.87 million) at a three-day travel fair organized by the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS).

While 67,000 visitors -- slightly fewer than last year -- poured into "Holidays 2011", the fair's takings increased by 17.6 percent.

The strong sales were attributed to the favorable exchange rates. China, Korea, Taiwan, Europe and Japan were travelers' favorite picks.

According to a report by Today, Robert Khoo, chief executive of NATAS, said that he had not expected sales at the fair to cross the S$90 million (US$74 million) record set at the NATAS fair in February 2011.

Taiwan was the unexpected popular destination attracting more than 6,000 buyers.

According to a report by Focus Taiwan News Channel, Hsieh Chang-ming, head of the Singapore office of Taiwan's Tourism Bureau, the figure is the highest-ever in terms of Taiwan's sales at travel fairs in the city-state.

Taiwan is already a popular destination with Singaporeans who head there for pre-wedding photographs. Although the presence of popular Taiwanese entertainment duo Hao Jiao Xiang Qi -- who host the Taiwanese culinary TV program "Super Taste" -- at the fair certainly helped boost the country's popularity.

According to a NATAS survey of visitors at its last travel fair, more than 60 per cent of respondents make two to three trips a year, and 12 per cent make more than four trips a year.

The next NATAS Travel Fair will be held in February 2012.