Turismo
Agoda reveals 2019's top destinations for travelers during the Spring Festival
The Lunar New Year is celebrated in many cities across Asia , but Chinese travelers enjoy the longest holiday. With a week to spare, Chinese tourists are spending their New Year in cities such as Hong Kong , Tokyo and Bangkok .
This year, Hong Kongers chose to change things up, traveling to Japan , Thailand and Taiwan over the previously favored Korea. In fact, Korea dropped out of the top three destinations altogether to settle at the fifth spot. Staycations have also risen in popularity, and Hong Kong made its way into the top ten this year as well.
Indonesians are venturing further afield this year to celebrate the Lunar New Year, with Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo taking up two out of three of its top travel destinations. Japan is rising in popularity, as the region adds Sapporo with its winter wonderland into Indonesia's top ten destinations.
Agoda data shows, domestic travels dominates the travel agenda for Japanese travelers over Lunar New Year this year, clinching six out of ten spots in the list. Thailand continues to be a hot spot for those seeking a tropical celebration, and Hawaii makes its entrance into the top ten list for the first time.
Malaysians continue to favor traveling within the region to celebrate Lunar New Year. In 2019, domestic destinations take up eight out of the top ten destinations. Thailand remains the only overseas destination in the top ten list for Malaysian travelers over the period.
Singaporeans prefer to travel to neighboring regions to spend the short Lunar New Year public holidays. For the first time, staycations have emerged as a popular choice for those who prefer staying behind to celebrate the festival.
Taiwanese are traveling within the region to spend Chinese New Year, with Kaohsiung rising up to clinch the top position. For the first time in three years, Kyoto has slipped out of the top ten ranking.
The Lunar New Year is indeed a golden opportunity for new beginnings. Whether you're looking to unite the extended family in a rare annual gathering overseas or escape from inquisitive relatives by traveling solo, Agoda has four unique travel ideas to kickstart the year with abundance:
Amanpuri in Phuket is a holistic sanctuary inspired by Ayutthaya, the old capital of Thailand . Perfect for big groups and extended families, the property offers the nine-bedroom Ocean Villa. Parents with young children can also take a break and treat themselves to spa services and or spend time at an adults-only pool on the beach, as babysitting services can be provided on request.
In Singapore , you must not miss the "lo hei" (prosperity toss). Family and friends huddle around a Cantonese-style raw fish salad and toss its contents in the air while saying auspicious greetings. It is believed that the higher the tossing, the more fortune one would have for the new year. Those looking to impress their family members can consider Jade restaurant at The Fullerton Hotel with its complete with edible gold leaf or switch things up at Carlton Hotel Singapore's where Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant offers a unique take of the well-loved dish with Alaskan crab.
For the solo travelers who are looking to get away from the crowds and have a peaceful respite, head over to Taiwan . Pamper yourself with a luxurious stay at Fleur De Chine Hotel and wake up to breathtaking views of Sun Moon Lake. Fill your days with visit to nearby scenic spots such as Lalu Island , Wenwu Temple , Chaowu Pier , Songbolun Trail, Cien Pagoda , and many more. An alternative is the Radium Kagaya International Hotel, a haven of rest and relaxation that is just steps away from the city's numerous attractions such as Beitou Hot Spring.
A good place for adventure and nature is the beautiful city of Pokhara in Nepal . Hikers of all levels can try the Ghorepani Poon hill trekking. Those seeking a chilly but thrilling experience must not miss trying out hang-gliding, which is sure to get the adrenaline pumping.
Raniban Retreat is a unique boutique hotel seated on the secluded hillock of Raniban Hill Forest in Pokhara. It takes 522 steps to get up to the hotel, but the view at the top is unrivalled. Guests will be greeted with the view of the Himalayas, Fewa Lake, The Pokhara city and the World Peace Pagoda against the backdrop of an amazing sunrise and sunset.
Agoda booking data from origin markets across Asia was collated for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Lunar New Year dates.
Agoda is one of the world's fastest growing online travel booking platforms. From its beginnings as an e-commerce start-up based in Singapore in 2005, Agoda has grown to offer a global network of 2 million properties in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, offering travelers easy access to a wide choice of luxury and budget hotels, apartments, homes and villas to suit all budgets and travel occasions.
Headquartered in Singapore , Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 3,700 staff across 53 cities in more than 30 countries. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 38 languages.
For more information, please contact press@agoda.com
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