Bookmark & Share
Several hotels launched new staycation packages to lure the local crowd. In fact, some have registered an increase in the number of Singaporean guests.
Hotels are rolling out more staycation packages as more Singaporeans cancel their overseas travel plans on the back of the hike in COVID-19 cases worldwide.
Shermin Sim and her boyfriend, for instance, have cancelled plans to go to Japan for Sakura season this month, following the Ministry of Health’s advisory against non-essential travel to Japan, in addition to Iran, northern Italy and South Korea, reported CNA.
“I don’t think the coronavirus made us feel like we wanted to stay (in Singapore), but the Japanese travel advisory changed our mind a little,” said Sim.
The 25-year old graphic designer revealed that they are considering a short trip to Thailand instead, or a weekend staycation in Singapore.
“We were considering staying at lyf Funan, because you can take a cooking class there, watch a midnight movie, and (there is) easy access to good food and desserts,” she added.
With this, several hotels launched new staycation packages to lure the local crowd. In fact, some have registered an increase in the number of Singaporean guests.
Millennium Hotels and Resorts Singapore witnessed an increase in the overall staycation market this year versus last year, said Group Chief Operating Officer Kieran Twomey.
The company, which operates M Social, Studio M and Grand Copthorne Waterfront in Singapore, explained that they introduced the staycation promotions as customers avoid overseas holidays and are searching for alternatives here due to the virus outbreak.
“The local market has always been a key source market for us, especially over weekends and school holidays. With the ongoing COVID-19 situation, we look forward to providing consumers with a wide variety of locally based holiday experiences during a time when their ability to travel overseas is limited,” said Twomey.
Far East Hospitality CEO Arthur Kiong noted that today’s staycationers look for “unique, engaging experiences” and “not just the standard room and breakfast”.
He shared that the number of room nights for the staycation segment grew 25% in January and February this year compared to the same period last year.
Far East Hospitality runs the Quincy, Village, Rendezvous and Oasia brands of hotels. Targeting a different segment of staycationers, each brand offers their own staycation package, said Kiong.
“When rolling out staycation promotions, it is important for us to provide value-add instead of going into price-war. This is because lowering price can affect the positioning of the brands,” he said.
“In fact, providing value-add to create these experiences are good ways to improve our hotels’ revenues and margins. Hence, (the) staycation segment can be a profitable one.”
A spokesperson for Yotel Singapore Orchard Road said response for their staycation promotions and sales have been “typically strong”, with the hotel recording an overall increase in bookings.
“I think what we’re going to see with this current period is that (the) majority of my guests over this March holiday period are going to be Singaporeans,” said General Manager of Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa Gavin Weightman.
“It’s going to be a lot more Singaporeans as a general percentage of my business than what I normally see because I think Singaporeans are going to look for somewhere closer to home to holiday. They still want to have that break, and that respite from working hard, and they’re going to look for somewhere to enjoy time with their family.”
He revealed that they introduced their staycation packages last week, which saw “some really strong positive signs”.
Looking for a property in Singapore? Visit PropertyGuru’s Listings, Project Reviews and Guides.
Victor Kang, Digital Content Specialist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email victorkang@propertyguru.com.sg
Related Articles:
CapitaLand offers 50% rental rebates to tenants
COVID-19: Sentosa to waive admission, offer rent deferments to businesses