[b]More Singaporeans holidaying
overseas this National Day
By Chew Wui Lynn, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 02 August 2007 1552
hrs [/b]
SINGAPORE: More Singaporeans are using the long National Day
weekend this year to take a holiday overseas.
For those who do not work on Saturdays, they can enjoy a four-day
break that starts on Thursday, 9 August, just by taking a day's
leave on Friday.
While they may miss the National Day Parade, 'out of sight' does
not mean 'out of mind' for some.
33-year-old Zack Oh is an avid diver and he is heading to Manado in
Indonesia during the long National Day weekend.
Besides his diving gear, Zack is also packing something else to
celebrate Singapore's birthday overseas.
He said: "I intend to bring along some mini Singapore national
flags, so the national joy can be spread beyond our shore. When we
go on board the ship, we'll carry our flag along and when we dive,
stuff it into our wet suit. And when it's time for photo-taking,
we'll probably bring out the flag."
Chan Brothers Travel Agency said the surge in the number of
travellers this year is also due to bigger spending power.
Rosa Ho, General Manager (Asia and China), Chan Brothers Travel
Agency, said: "The increase is quite substantial. We're looking at
about 20 percent more than last year. This is definitely due to the
favourable economy, as well as the promising job market."
Agencies said most travellers head to destinations in the region,
such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Indochina.
- CNA/so
