Travelzoo Asia Pacific Survey Reveals 70 Percent of its Subscribers Prioritize Leisure Travel over Luxury

HONG KONG, Dec. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Travelzoo Asia Pacific, a licensee of Travelzoo Inc. (NASDAQ:TZOO), a global Internet media company, today released the findings of its subscriber survey.  The results revealed that 70 percent of Travelzoo subscribers would spend more on travel rather than luxury goods.  This finding indicates a major shift in consumer spending habits, with preference on travel and experiences.  

Specifically, when respondents were asked what they would give up in order to travel more, the figures showed that 60 percent of respondents in Australia, 69 percent in Mainland China, 74 percent in Hong Kong, 79 percent in Taiwan, and 66 percent in Japan were willing to spend less on luxury goods.  

These survey findings were gained from interviewing 6,500 Travelzoo subscribers in Asia Pacific between 27 October and 28 November 2011.

The results also show that Travelzoo subscribers are upbeat about their travel prospects in 2012.  In all markets across Asia Pacific, at least 65 percent expect to spend more on travel in 2012 than they did in 2011.  Australian subscribers plan to spend the most per person per leisure trip, at an average of USD 2,456.  Mainland Chinese subscribers continue to outspend Greater China compatriots, with an average spending of USD 1,415 per person per leisure trip.  Hong Kongers, Taiwanese and Japanese will spend an average of USD 969, USD 785 and USD 1,431 per person per trip respectively.  In addition, Hong Kong subscribers plan to travel the most frequently, at an average of five leisure trips per year.

Travel Frequency and Spending in 2012

The results also show that Travelzoo's subscribers in Greater China are highly flexible when it comes to travel plans.  Sixty eight percent of Mainland Chinese subscribers, 63 percent of Hong Kongers and 61 percent of Taiwanese, said they had booked a trip on Travelzoo when they had no plans to travel prior to seeing the recommended deal.

"According to the figures, we can see a strong interest and readiness to spend more on travel, despite economic uncertainties.  This is good news for the travel industry.  It is a trend that will continue through 2012.  With more than three million loyal and active subscribers, our recommendations are trusted.  Our commitment to publish only high quality deals of true value is a key stimulus for incremental travel in the region," said Mr. Jason Yap, CEO, Travelzoo Asia Pacific.

When respondents were asked about their preferred destinations, 24 percent of Mainland Chinese travelers rated Australia as their top holiday destination.  Japan remained the destination of choice for 41 percent of Hong Kongers and 46 percent of Taiwanese.  Domestic travel topped the list for 45 percent of Australians and 37 percent of Japanese travelers.

Top Five Destinations by Markets

The survey also acknowledged the increasingly sophisticated travel inclinations of Travelzoo's Mainland Chinese holiday makers.  Beach holidays were the most favorably sought after by the Mainland Chinese, with 61 percent citing these among their top preferences.  This was followed by 31 percent citing preferences for wellbeing vacations and 30 percent for self drive vacations.  Hot spring and spa resorts, beachfront hotels and resorts were ranked at the top of the list for accommodation choices.  The results reflect a strong demand for high-end vacations among Travelzoo's upscale Mainland Chinese subscribers, who have an average monthly personal income of USD 1,560.  This is threefold higher than the national average* (Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China).

Top Five Holidays by Markets

*China's national average refers to urban workers in 2010 earning RMB 3,096 or USD 486 per month in non-private sectors.  Non-private sector jobs include state-owned enterprises, foreign enterprises and companies funded by investors from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China.

About Travelzoo Asia Pacific

Travelzoo Asia Pacific is an independently owned licensee of Travelzoo Inc. (NASDAQ: TZOO), a global Internet media company.  With more than 24 million subscribers in Asia Pacific, North America and Europe, and 23 offices worldwide, Travelzoo® publishes deals from more than 2,000 travel and entertainment companies.  Travelzoo's deal experts review offers to find the best deals and confirm their true value.

Media Contact:

Pauline Wong
Travelzoo, Asia Pacific
+852-3127-8010
[email protected]

SOURCE Travelzoo Asia Pacific