Discover: MALAYSIA

nazrey · November 27th, 2007, 04:56 AM

Malaysia Ranks as Top Choice for Long-stay Programs
TJI Online - 2007-11-14

Malaysia topped the list of the most popular long-stay destinations overseas in fiscal 2006, according to the 2007 statistical survey on the long-stay programs unveiled by the Long Stay Foundation of Japan.

It is the first time for Malaysia to top the list since the founding of the survey was created in 1992. Malaysia obtained a 14.9% share of the poll responses, outpacing the former leader Australia by a 0.9 percentage point, which is a 0.3 percentage point higher than that marked in fiscal 2005.

With strong support of male respondents, all age groups in their 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s all selected Malaysia as the top long-stay destination.

Second-ranked Australia (14%) was the most popular destination among female respondents. Australia topped the rankings by those in their 20s and 40s but ranked second and third in other age groups. Thailand took third place (11.2%), up from fifth in fiscal 2004, followed by New Zealand (10.5%) and Hawaii (9.9%).

The survey findings revealed that men tend to choose Asian countries while women selected North America or northern Pacific destinations as their first choice.

The Foundation said that areas such as Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand and Canada were popular due to their appeal as English-speaking destinations, their high level of safety and comfortable weather.

However, South Asian countries have grown increasingly popular as is the case with Malaysia and other tourist destinations such as Thailand and the Philippines, pointing to the growing demand among consumers.

Some of the reasons for their increased popularity, said the Foundation, is the relatively low cost of living, the short flight times and warm weather. These elements are referred to as "Cheap, Near, Warm," said the Foundation.

As for the desired length of stay, some 41.9% of respondents selected a stay of between one and three months, while 41.8% of them said they preferred three months or more. With fiscal 2005 data showing 47% interested in the one-to-three-month period and 34% citing a period of more than three months, the survey points to the rising demand for longer stay among long-stay participants from Japan.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

November 27th, 2007, 04:56 AM	#1
nazrey Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 45,691	Malaysia Ranks as Top Choice for Long-stay Programs TJI Online - 2007-11-14 Malaysia topped the list of the most popular long-stay destinations overseas in fiscal 2006, according to the 2007 statistical survey on the long-stay programs unveiled by the Long Stay Foundation of Japan. It is the first time for Malaysia to top the list since the founding of the survey was created in 1992. Malaysia obtained a 14.9% share of the poll responses, outpacing the former leader Australia by a 0.9 percentage point, which is a 0.3 percentage point higher than that marked in fiscal 2005. With strong support of male respondents, all age groups in their 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s all selected Malaysia as the top long-stay destination. Second-ranked Australia (14%) was the most popular destination among female respondents. Australia topped the rankings by those in their 20s and 40s but ranked second and third in other age groups. Thailand took third place (11.2%), up from fifth in fiscal 2004, followed by New Zealand (10.5%) and Hawaii (9.9%). The survey findings revealed that men tend to choose Asian countries while women selected North America or northern Pacific destinations as their first choice. The Foundation said that areas such as Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand and Canada were popular due to their appeal as English-speaking destinations, their high level of safety and comfortable weather. However, South Asian countries have grown increasingly popular as is the case with Malaysia and other tourist destinations such as Thailand and the Philippines, pointing to the growing demand among consumers. Some of the reasons for their increased popularity, said the Foundation, is the relatively low cost of living, the short flight times and warm weather. These elements are referred to as "Cheap, Near, Warm," said the Foundation. As for the desired length of stay, some 41.9% of respondents selected a stay of between one and three months, while 41.8% of them said they preferred three months or more. With fiscal 2005 data showing 47% interested in the one-to-three-month period and 34% citing a period of more than three months, the survey points to the rising demand for longer stay among long-stay participants from Japan.