Singapore residents spent 18% more in Malaysia during December, with Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru leading as top destinations.
SINGAPORE: Malaysia has retained its status as the most popular year-end travel destination for Singapore residents.
Data from payment technology company Visa shows an 18% year-on-year increase in face-to-face card spending by Singaporeans in Malaysia during the December travel season.
This growth was driven by a sharp rise in travel-related expenditure.
Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru were the top city destinations, recording spending growth of 31% and 17% respectively.
Japan was the second most popular destination, though year-on-year spending growth there was a modest 5%.
Thailand and South Korea followed in third and fourth places.
Visa’s data highlighted strong spending growth in emerging hotspots like Chiang Mai and Chonburi in Thailand, and Busan and Jeju in South Korea.
China saw a significant surge in popularity, rising eight ranks to become the fifth top destination.
Spending in China by Singapore residents surged nearly 80% year-on-year.
“This strong performance was driven by robust spending on accommodation, retail goods, and department stores,” Visa said.
