VISTA EXPLORES SOUTHEAST ASIA’S ULTRA-LUXURY BOOM AT EXCLUSIVE SINGAPORE PANEL

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- Vista, the parent company of VistaJet and XO, has hosted a panel discussion in Singapore to explore shifting lifestyle and investment trends among Southeast Asia’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).

The invitation-only event gathered speakers from Vista, Knight Frank and Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific, who shared insights into growing demand for premium experiences, private aviation, luxury real estate and superyachts across the region.

Vista Vice President of Marketing for Asia Pacific (APAC) and India, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA), Amy Yang said Singapore remains a top destination among its clients, driven by “bleisure” travel, the blending of business and leisure.

“With infrastructure covering 96 per cent of the world, Vista is well-positioned to meet the needs of mobile, global travellers,” she said in a statement.

In 2024, VistaJet recorded a 10 per cent rise in its memberships in Southeast Asia, while XO saw private flight activity in Singapore double year-on-year.

Vista noted a sharp rise in business jet traffic during major events. The Taylor Swift Eras tour in Singapore triggered a 362 per cent spike, while the Singapore Grand Prix saw a 168 per cent increase. The Singapore Yachting Festival also contributed to a 46 per cent jump over the daily flight average.

Emerging destinations for affluent travellers include Kuching in Malaysia, Da Nang in Vietnam, and Sorong in Indonesia, offering unique eco-, cultural and marine-based experiences. Established favourites like the Maldives, Bali and Phuket continue to see robust interest, especially with Phuket gaining visibility through HBO’s “The White Lotus”.

Knight Frank identified Manila as the fastest-growing prime residential market in 2024, while Malaysia’s property sector remains attractive due to supportive government policies. Bangkok continues to see strong foreign investment, particularly from Chinese buyers.

Meanwhile, according to Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific, the regional superyacht market is expanding rapidly, driven by a new generation of UHNWIs seeking discreet, experiential luxury with long-term value.

-- BERNAMA