Hong Kong holidaymakers dread return more than other Asians, and keep trips short so the work doesn’t pile up, survey finds
Survey of leisure habits finds nearly two-thirds of Hongkongers didn’t use all their leave in 2017, and one in eight feel guilty when they do use all theirs
Hongkongers are more likely than others travellers in Asia to dread returning from a holiday, and many don’t use all the leave days due to them, a global survey has found.
Some 2,001 Hongkongers were questioned for the survey, commissioned by British Airways and conducted in 11 countries and regions between December 20 and January 4. It found that 37 per cent of Hongkongers surveyed were stressed at the thought of going back to work after a holiday – more than in any other place in Asia surveyed.
Additionally, 63 per cent of Hongkongers said they still had unused holidays at the end of last year.
“The main reasons include that they were too busy at work to take time off, are saving them up for a holiday or were not able to take their holiday at certain times of the year.
“Guilt also comes into play, as 12 per cent said they feel guilty for using up all of their holiday allowance,” the airline says.
On average, Hongkongers surveyed took three overseas holidays in 2017, with more than half going away for between five and nine days at a time, which was in line with the survey’s global average.
“A two-week-long holiday seems like an indulgence for people living in a city regarded as one of the hardest-working places in the world, but close to 60 per cent of the respondents from Hong Kong said they had managed to take a two-week holiday in 2017, and 42 per cent of the lucky ones said their last holidays were a two-week long holiday,” the airline says.
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“When asked about the reasons for not taking a two – week holiday in 2017, the less fortunate ones said they just couldn’t get the time off work and they were too worried about the workload piling up upon returning to work.”
Asked about holiday plans for 2018, 65 per cent of those surveyed said they would opt for city breaks and beach holidays in Europe, while 53 per cent were looking forward to Asian cultural breaks.
