Singaporeans are increasingly opting for luxury travel experiences, with searches for first and business class flights rising by 137% in the first half of 2026, according to Trip.com.
This surge in demand is driven primarily by Millennials and Gen X travellers, aged 35 to 49, who account for nearly half of all premium flight and hotel bookings.
Despite inflationary pressures, the allure of premium travel remains strong, particularly for destinations such as China, South Korea, Japan, the US, and the UK. The trend reflects a growing willingness among Singaporeans to invest in elevated travel experiences for mid- to long-haul journeys.
The city-state is also witnessing an influx of premium travellers from countries like China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These visitors, who spend significantly more than the average traveller, are contributing to Singapore's tourism goals for 2040. Their spending on tours and attractions is estimated to be four to six times higher than that of regular tourists.
Premium travellers are not only spending more but are also travelling further and for longer periods. Over 40% of premium flights booked in the latter half of 2026 are long-haul, with Japan being a popular destination. These travellers typically spend at least 14 days abroad, nearly 40% longer than the average trip.
Additionally, there is a growing preference for personalised travel experiences. Trip.com's custom tour service has seen a 650% increase in bookings from Singapore, highlighting a shift away from generic holidays. Experience-led travel is also on the rise, with 63% of Asia Pacific travellers having crossed borders for concerts, and 66% willing to do so, according to a Trip.com report. This trend is supported by Trip.com's integrated travel packages, which combine concert tickets, accommodation, and local attractions.
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools and checked by the editor before publication. Spot an error? Report it here.
