Malaysia continued to top the list as the preferred year-end holiday destination for Singapore residents, supported by a strong rebound in cross-border spending.
Figures released by payment technology firm Visa showed face-to-face card expenditure by Singaporeans in Malaysia rose 18 per cent year-on-year during the December travel period, largely fuelled by increased travel-related spending.
Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru emerged as the most visited cities, with spending climbing 31 per cent and 17 per cent respectively, underscoring the sustained appeal of Malaysia’s urban and shopping hubs. The strong performance also reflects continued confidence among Singapore travellers, particularly for short-haul and drive-in destinations.
Japan ranked second on the list, although growth there was more subdued, with spending increasing by five per cent compared with the same period a year earlier. Thailand and South Korea followed in third and fourth positions, with Visa highlighting notable growth in emerging locations such as Chiang Mai and Chonburi, as well as Busan and Jeju.
China recorded the most dramatic rise in popularity, jumping eight places to rank fifth overall. Spending by Singapore residents in China surged nearly 80 per cent year-on-year, driven mainly by higher outlays on accommodation, retail purchases and department store shopping, according to Visa.
The data points to a broad recovery in regional travel, with Singapore consumers showing renewed appetite for both familiar destinations and newly trending hotspots across Asia.
