40% of Singaporeans Feel Safe with 'K-Quarantine' and Plan to Travel to Korea Once Restrictions Lift

Survey of 6,000 Singaporeans on New Normal Overseas Travel Destinations: 'Korea Ranks 1st'
Reflecting the Perception That Safety Is the Top Priority

[Asia Economy Singapore Correspondent Seo Jumi] The Singapore government, which has begun gradually allowing entry to overseas travelers, is expected to ease restrictions on its citizens' overseas travel as well. Local media are creating an atmosphere by conducting surveys on popular overseas travel destinations among their citizens.

The daily Straits Times recently conducted a survey asking Singaporeans "which countries they would like to visit once overseas travel becomes possible." This online poll drew attention as it was conducted following the Singapore Ministry of Transport's announcement to resume travel agreements with safe countries. About 6,000 people participated in the survey conducted on Facebook. Notably, more than 4 out of 10 respondents chose South Korea as their preferred travel destination. Following South Korea, Japan and Thailand received 17.7% and 16.9% respectively, with Malaysia, New Zealand, and China also making the list.

This phenomenon is seen as reflecting citizens' perception that safety remains the top priority. Compared to other countries, South Korea has a relatively low incidence of COVID-19, and its so-called "K-quarantine" system has left a positive impression. Besides "safety," there are also views that factors such as fashion, culture, food, and cosmetics attract travelers.

The overseas travel survey supports expectations that the Singapore government will further ease travel measures. Previously, Singapore allowed visitors from four countries?Brunei, New Zealand, Australia, and Vietnam?to enter only after applying for a Safe Travel Pass in advance and testing negative upon arrival. Recently, Singapore announced plans to implement a "travel bubble" with countries safe from COVID-19, but entry purposes remain limited to business and similar reasons. On the 15th, Singapore tentatively agreed to implement a travel bubble with Hong Kong for the first time.

This survey suggests that alongside allowing its citizens to travel abroad, Singapore may also expand the scope of inbound overseas travelers. Following news of the travel normalization agreement with Hong Kong, airfare prices surged sharply.

Meanwhile, passenger traffic at Singapore Changi Airport has plummeted since the COVID-19 outbreak. It has fallen to 1.5% of pre-pandemic levels, and the number of flights has decreased to 17%. The airport's ranking as the "world's busiest airport" dropped dramatically from 7th to 58th. Singapore Airlines, the state-owned carrier, recorded its worst quarterly performance ever in the first quarter and laid off about 2,000 employees.