According to the latest statistics released by National Association of Travel Agents in Singapore, the Chinese mainland has become the second largest travel destination for Singaporeans.

The top destination is Malaysia.

The data shows that in 2005 alone, up to 755,833 tourists visited the Chinese mainland, of which most people chose Shanghai and Beijing as their travel destination.

In the past two years, Singaporean tourists to Beijing increased by 30% annually.

Experts quoted in local media say there are two reasons that Chinese mainland is popular among Singaporean tourists.

One is that now that most of them are overseas Chinese, they do not feel difficulty in communication when come to China.

The second is that launching of more direct flights between the two countries offers more convenience for these tourists.