The survey found that Hong Kong is Singapore’s third-favourite business destination. Indian cities Mumbai and Bangalore as well as Indonesia's Jakarta were the least popular, according to more than 500 respondents who participated in the Smoother Journeys Survey. London and Tokyo tied for the top spot among business travellers aged below 34, while Tokyo was the top choice for those between 35 and 44. Those aged over 45 preferred Bangkok.
|
No.
|
Favourite business destinations
|
Least-favourite business destinations
|
Favourite leisure destinations
|
|||
|
1
|
Tokyo
|
16%
|
Mumbai
|
19%
|
Tokyo
|
20%
|
|
2
|
Bangkok
|
14%
|
Bangalore
|
14%
|
Bangkok
|
18%
|
|
3
|
Hong Kong
|
12%
|
Jakarta
|
13%
|
London
|
10%
|
|
4
|
London
|
8%
|
Hong Kong
|
7%
|
Hong Kong
|
8%
|
|
5
|
New York City / Shanghai
|
8%
|
Shanghai
|
6%
|
Melbourne
|
7%
|
“The Smoother Journeys survey revealed some surprising insights,” said Satish Peerubandi, GM – Samsonite Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines & IndoChina. “For starters, we were surprised to see how strongly Asian cities did. We were also happy to see that a majority enjoyed business travel, even as it has a reputation for being tough for those who travel often. Only 11% of respondents said they did not enjoy business travel, with the majority liking it for the opportunities it brings.”
The study found that many Singapore business travellers enjoy the opportunity to visit new places (94%), leave Singapore for a short while (91%), and work in new environments (88%).
While 60% said they believe they travel “just the right amount", many still crave for their home comforts. Being apart from family and the fear of missing out on what is happening at home topped the reasons for people disliking business travel, with 57% and 41% of respondents selecting these reasons respectively.
Business travellers identified traffic jams, flight delays and airport transfers as the most significant stress creators during their trips. When it comes to things they have control over, factoring in downtime and more effective packing and luggage are essential, they said. The study found that those who enjoy business travel are also those who are more likely to undertake activities that will help alleviate stress. Many also allow for time to go to the gym or to shop, while close to half said they like to plan time for meals with colleagues or friends.
For a significant majority, efficient and effective packing was seen as a critical method to help ease stress, while many said that having a proper bag with easy access to laptops and toiletries when passing through airport security would improve their experience.
The Smoother Journeys survey was timed to coincide with the launch of Samsonite’s EVOA campaign. EVOA is an evolutionary luggage line that combines strength and style. Its Aero-Trac suspension wheel technology contributes to smoother journeys.
Available in brushed black and brushed silver styles, EVOA is available in five sizes and specifications – starting with the carry-on classic 29-litre Spinner Rolling Tote to the 75 cm tall Spinner that can hold up to 124 litres. The range is also packed with internal organisers and features an integrated anti-theft zipper that provides maximum protection for important belongings.
“The Samsonite EVOA collection allows business travellers to travel in style without compromising on the functionality of their luggage and bags. The EVOA is a nod to modern minimalist aesthetics, while featuring Samsonite’s signature durability and innovative Aero-Trac suspension wheel technology. It is the absolute epitome of form and function,” added Peerubandi.
Other key findings:
- Younger women are more likely to travel then younger men (46% vs 26%).
“The Samsonite EVOA collection allows business travellers to travel in style without compromising on the functionality of their luggage and bags. The EVOA is a nod to modern minimalist aesthetics, while featuring Samsonite’s signature durability and innovative Aero-Trac suspension wheel technology. It is the absolute epitome of form and function,” added Peerubandi.
Other key findings:
- Younger women are more likely to travel then younger men (46% vs 26%).
- About half (52%) of business travellers spend an average of three to four days on business trips.
- Four in five admitted to working on the plane for some part of the flight, while 35% of business travellers put their time in the skies to productive use by working either 50% of the time or more.
- Looking professional while travelling for work is essential for Singapore’s business travellers. Fifty-three percent of travellers said they wore business attire while flying either half of the time or more, of which 75% said this was because they would go straight from the airport to work meetings.
The desire for style also extended to luggage, with 90% insisting that having professional products reflected positively on their appearance as businesspeople.
The desire for style also extended to luggage, with 90% insisting that having professional products reflected positively on their appearance as businesspeople.
 |
| Source: Samsonite website. The ice blue colour on the left is a limited edition colour. |
- Sixty-four percent of business travellers said that professional and well-designed luggage can help make their business trips smoother, and 68% are willing to invest in this.
*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov. The sample size was 511 Singaporean adults who travel for business three or more times a year. Fieldwork was undertaken between 27 and 30 July 2018. The survey was carried out online.
*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov. The sample size was 511 Singaporean adults who travel for business three or more times a year. Fieldwork was undertaken between 27 and 30 July 2018. The survey was carried out online.
