Visa Global survey: the US, UK and Japan are top trip choices

Twenty percent, or one in five respondents, said they are likely to travel to the US for leisure in the next two years; 19 per cent the UK; 16 per cent Japan; and 15 per cent each for France and Italy.

According to Meranda Chan, country manager, Singapore and Brunei, Visa, the “great cultural diversity, amazing scenery and a shopping paradise for holidaymakers” are reasons why the US is a survey favourite.

As for the UK, Chan added: “The upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games could be a pull factor, and it is an indication that sport tourism is proving to be a growing attraction for today's travellers.”

The survey also found that sentiment for Japan still ran strong, especially in the destination's key markets in mainland China and South Korea.

“More than one in three (34 per cent) respondents from mainland China and one in four (24 per cent) respondents from South Korea said they are likely to travel to Japan in the next two years. This is in line with PATA Destination Trends that international arrivals to Japan have picked up slightly post-tsunami,” Chan added.

The survey also revealed that global average spend for the last trip taken by respondents in the past two years was S$1,912. Australian respondents were the highest spenders, with an average of S$4,693 (US$3,636) spent on their last trip, followed by Saudi Arabia with S$4,039.

The Visa Global Intentions Survey 2011 was an online and offline survey conducted by Nielsen in February and March.

(TTG Asia)