Expedia sees 20% jump in searches for Langkawi and other proposed travel bubbles

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Malaysia is gradually reopening domestic travel, with the travel bubble to Langkawi officially launched recently. According to Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Genting, Melaka and Tioman Islands have also been shortlisted for proposed travel bubbles. Since the announcements, Expedia has witnessed a positive but small increase in the volume of searches for hotels, especially for trips to Genting, Langkawi, Melaka and Tioman. As compared to before, Lavinia Rajaram, APAC head of communications for Expedia said searches for these destinations on the website has grown by 20%, with Langkawi carrying the highest percentage (80%) among the other destinations.

As the demands for travelling are increasing due to the release of the domestic travel bubbles, the travel and hospitality industry needs to continue prioritising the health and safety of the guests, said Rajaram. Rajaram explained this was essential so the guests would be assured of a comfortable and peaceful time when travelling. To encourage longer stays at the destination, travel providers can also actively look at ways to provide attractive packages for inbound travellers that include discounts on attractions around the island, or to its respective hotel services, Rajaram said.

As the resumption of travel continues to gain pace, travellers would be looking at travel providers to provide more support to help navigate through this changing travel landscape. In view of this, Expedia has introduced several travel readiness tools to help Malaysian travellers search, plan and book travel. These include a comprehensive travel checklist as well as a travel advisory tool that provides up-to-date government advisories and local guidance by destination, to provide the necessary information and support for them at every phase of their travel journey.

Separately, Singapore also recently announced a vaccinated travel lane to Germany. According to statistics from Expedia, travel from Singapore to Munich showed two times more interest versus Singapore to Frankfurt. While Singapore was never a top 10 leisure destination for German travellers, Expedia saw interest in travel to Singapore from Frankfurt and Munich jump by 70% within 24 hours after the announcement.

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