04/03/2025

LYFE TUESDAY | MAR 4, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

M ILLENNIALS and Gen Z crave travel as a vital form of self-care and rejuvenation, yet their wanderlust remains out of reach. Nearly all young travellers see travel as a powerful stress reliever, according to Klook’s latest Travel Pulse research across 14 markets in partnership with consumer insights platform GWI. However, a staggering nine in 10 feel frustrated from not being able to take these much-needed journeys, held back due to barriers such as time constraints, work commitments and financial concerns. “Millennials and Gen Z increasingly turn to travel as their ultimate form of therapy. While life’s stressful demands often leave many frustrated, the transformative power of travel is undeniable. “With 92% hit hard by post-travel blues, and nearly 40% immediately planning their next getaway, it is clear travel offers more than just a break — it is a force for self discovery, creativity and renewal,” said Klook president and co-founder Eric Gnock Fah. For 64% of these travellers, travel is not just a getaway — it is their reset button to escape from monotony and boost their self-confidence. All respondents (100%) from Malaysia agree travel is effective in managing stress and improving well-being, highlighting a strong perception of travel as a therapeutic tool. Travel has significantly reduced their stress levels for two in three (69%). Time is revealed as travel’s biggest enemy, with travellers from Mainland China feeling the most time-strapped (74%), while Australian travellers (38%) enjoy the most flexibility for their schedules. Stretching budgets for social worthy experiences Millennials and Gen Z know where to invest in when it comes to achieving self-care. While budgets may weigh high on travellers’ minds, they are not willing to compromise on experiences with 91% willing to allocate up to half of their travel budget on experiences, instead of splurging on other areas THE Selangor State Government, in collaboration with Tourism Selangor Promosi, the Royal Klang City Council and K Production, has announced the development of the Lorong Gopeng Klang to strengthen the state’s tourism sector. The Lorong Gopeng development project will be carried out in three main phases. The first phase will focus on the construction of the gateway, mural art, street furniture and historical elements. The second phase will revitalise Pasar Jawa and Sungai Klang to enhance the appeal of the area. Meanwhile, the third phase will focus on the improvement of accessibility by connecting Jambatan Kota to Pengkalan Batu, upgrading food stalls and beautifying Pengkalan Batu Public Park. Spanning 240m, Lorong Gopeng will feature 30 to 40 vendors offering a variety of local and heritage foods. It is expected to operate from Friday

Travelling is now therapy, self-discovery and a ticket to a more balanced life.

When choosing their next destination, 28% of respondents seek out new places they have never visited.

Travel as ultimate therapy o Many young travellers view vacations as powerful stress reliever, ticket to balanced life

such as flight costs to maximise their trips. Gen Z travellers, in particular, are more budget-conscious, favouring bundled travel packages to stretch their spending further. While affordability is key, unique and authentic experiences remain a top priority, with local cuisine and off-the-beaten-path destinations topping the list. Social media dominates travel planning Inspiration is fuelled by the power of social media, which emerges as the top source of information for holiday planning. 79% of travellers have booked activities, accommodations and dining experiences based on social media recommendations, proving its influence on travel decisions. Travellers from Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines tend to act on social recommendations, while those from Australia, Japan and the US are less swayed. For aesthetic-driven travellers, 27% are willing to pay up to 20%

more to visit trendy spots.

Travellers cannot wait to embark on new adventures in 2025 Despite the hurdles, travellers are undeterred as 84% are already preparing to take at least one international trip in 2025, referring to flights more than four hours, compared with 71% in 2024. When choosing their next destination, 28% seek out entirely new places they have never visited. Japan continues its reign as the top must-go destination for 2025, with Mainland China as a second, with demand increasing over seven times. About 25 up-and-coming destinations are making their mark on travellers’ radar, featuring a mix of city and natural wonders. Travel has evolved beyond just a trip, it is therapy, self-discovery and a ticket to a more balanced life. As this generation seeks renewal and purpose, the future of travel will continue deliver experiences that rejuvenate, inspire and empower travellers to reconnect with their best selves.

For many travellers, a holiday is a chance to hit the reset button. – PICS FROM PEXELS

Lorong Gopeng Klang set to become new tourism icon

AirAsia provides over 16,000 seats at fixed fares for Hari Raya AIRASIA is providing more than 16,000 seats on over 90 late-night flights at fixed fares between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia for Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year. From March 28 to April 5, guests can enjoy fixed fares at RM328 one-way between KL and Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu or Miri, as well as between Johor Bahru and Kuching and Sibu. Meanwhile, flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan or Tawau, as well as between Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu, are available at RM388 one way. These promotional fares are available for booking until April 5. In addition to more than 90 late-night flights at fixed fares on 10 routes between Peninsular and East Malaysia, AirAsia is also operating 287 weekly flights at regular fares to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan in support of the government’s festive season initiative.

developed as an arts alley and cultural market, which will not only revive Klang’s heritage areas but also provide opportunities for small and micro-entrepreneurs to grow and contribute to the local economy. “We aim to position Lorong Gopeng as a tourism icon on par with Petaling Street in KL, Jonker Walk in Malacca and Concubine Lane in Perak. Our aspiration is to achieve international tourism standards akin to Icon Siam in Bangkok and Namdaemun Market in Seoul,” said State Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim. The Selangor State Government expresses hope that this initiative will serve as a catalyst for more tourism development projects in the state, further strengthening Selangor’s tourism industry as a premier destination for domestic and international visitors.

Ng (second from left) at the soft launch of Loreng Gopeng Klang.

to Sunday, from 3pm to midnight, with no entrance fee. The project is estimated to receive an investment of RM10 million and is expectd to

attract 30,000 to 40,000 tourists per month after its launch in December 2025. “Lorong Gopeng will be