SINGAPORE: Travel agencies are already anticipating the slowdown in the economy will affect travel plans.

One Singapore travel agent plans to slash non-peak season rates by a further 20 per cent, and says five-day tour packages tend to appeal most to holidaymakers.

Deputy general manager for outbound tour at Hong Thai Travel Services, Peggie Chung, said: "For the next year, we plan for a few different countries for special packages to Singaporeans, like S$500 to S$600 tour fare to Taiwan and Vietnam... - all these packages to fit for Singaporeans.

"I think for this (past) ten years... for Singaporeans, they feel that it is part of their lifestyle... so maybe they are willing to try to keep to their budgets for tours to other countries."

Travel agents catering to a more upmarket segment do not expect their customers to cut back on holiday plans significantly, but say these customers expect quality for the price they pay.

Vice-president for leisure at UOB Travel Planners, Eileen Oh, said: "Overall for Singaporeans, they are in-bred bargain hunters, so they would expect airline prices, tour packages costs to come down during such trying times.

"And as travel agents, we must be ready to take advantage, as such offers from the airlines and hotels... will be low-inventory and short-lived.

"We also foresee that such servicing via online portals escalates. And with this, we will be launching our travel portal by November. Customers can expect a five to ten per cent savings when they do their travel arrangements online."

Oh expects strong demand for high-growth destinations such as Cambodia, Vietnam, Bali and Malaysia in 2009.

- CNA/yt