Despite the current financial economic condition, 56,079 visitors thronged NATAS Travel 2009 at the Singapore Expo, a three-day event which ended on 1 March 2009 .

Compared to the same show held last year, this 3.5% decline in visitors still managed to chalk up over $45 million of travel sales, as compared to the $50 million raked in at Travel 2008.

In spite of these results, Mr. Robert Khoo , CEO of NATAS explains that he is still very pleased. “It is evident that Singaporeans' desire to travel is still very strong, coupled with the fact that many airlines have slashed their prices which made for even more attractive tour packages.”

The most popular destinations were China , Europe, Japan , Korea and Taiwan . It is not surprising that. Europe propelled to Singaporean's top favourite destinations due mainly to value for money travel packages and the allure of favourable exchange rates.

It also pays to use your MasterCard at NATAS Travel 2009 as the top three winners of the NATAS Grand Draw found out. The MasterCard “Charge and Win” promotion saw the top three winners winning back the amount charged to their MasterCard during the travel fair on top of air tickets to London, Sydney and a Etihad destination of choice.

The next travel fair, NATAS Holidays 2009 will be held at the Singapore Expo from 28 - 30 August 2009.