Singapore popular amongst business class travellers from the Americas, UK

Asia leads in YoY growth for premium travel.

Singapore overtook its Asian neighbours in business class travel growth of travellers coming from the Americas and the United Kingdom, according to an FCM report.

According to the report, corporate travellers are increasingly opting for business class when flying to Asia as the region leads in year-on-year growth for premium travel.

Amongst the top destinations preferred by business travellers from the Americas are Thailand and India; whilst Hong Kong and Malaysia were also amongst the leading choices of travellers from the UK.

Globally, Malaysia (31%), Hong Kong (19%), India (18%), Philippines (9%), and China (8.8%) were growth standouts for the first half of last year compared to the same period in 2023.

“Asia is now the world’s second-most integrated trade region, after the European Union. In 2022, nearly 57% of Asia’s trade value originated within the region, highlighting the area’s importance for businesses,” said Bertrand Saillet, Managing Director of FCM Travel Asia.

According to McKinsey and Company, trade between the United States and China fell, but ASEAN emerged as a ‘connector’ between these economies.

“Trade will be in the spotlight in 2025 with a Donald Trump Administration, but it would not change the critical nature of business travel for companies,” Saillet added.