East Is Best

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, but is never easy on the wallet. That’s what leisure travellers have indicated this December season. Popular long haul destinations like the US and UK have just not made the leisure traveller spend.

Neighbouring countries, like Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, which offer more for a lesser price, have enticed the leisure traveler away from the west.

Hong Kong has given some tour operators a surprise as it has seen a growth of around 30 percent during times of recession. Operators credit this to aggressive marketing, the presence of Disneyland, and visa-less entry — these offerings coupled with Macau as a popular stopover provides a family with entertainment for everyone from casinos to cartoons.

(Research by Nilofer D’Souza)