A SURGE in demand for Australia as an event destination among Singapore corporates is expected, as the Australian dollar softens against the Singapore currency.
Several local travel agencies that specialise in business events have indicated a likelihood of an uptick in bookings and enquiries for destinations Down Under, with one company already observing an increase.
Fascinating Holidays’ managing director, David Teo, told TTGmice e-Weekly that corporate enquiries on Australia have gone up by 15 per cent.
While changes in bookings for Australia have not surfaced for Simon Er, general manager of business events, DMC & tours, Global Travel, he believes that “the demand for Australia will increase over the next few months as the destination becomes more affordable and the value obtained is greater”.
Er noted that most corporate clients plan their trips six to 12 months in advance.
For business events that have already been confirmed in Australia, the stronger buying power has led to some clients adding extra activities to “offer more value to (delegates)”, said Teo.
Chan Brothers Travel’s spokesperson, Rebecca Chia, whose company has upcoming corporate programmes in Perth, remarked that dining and entertainment expenditure “at the destination may increase due to the attractive exchange rates”.
None of the event specialists expect extensions to length of stay and upgrades on hotels options and venues, as arrangements and bookings have already been made.
However Er said clients might offer their delegates turndown gifts or a local souvenir in view of “cost savings from the exchange rate”.
By Samuel Ng
