{"id":2061,"date":"2016-09-16T00:00:09","date_gmt":"2016-09-16T00:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/?p=2061"},"modified":"2022-07-20T22:01:04","modified_gmt":"2022-07-20T22:01:04","slug":"expedia-flip-flop-report-2016","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/news\/expedia-flip-flop-report-2016\/","title":{"rendered":"Expedia Flip Flop Report 2016: Malaysian Beachgoers More Afraid of Shark Attacks Than Drowning"},"content":{"rendered":"

Expedia.com.my\u00ae 2016 Flip Flop Report<\/em> discovers not only the preferences of Malaysian beach lovers but our quirky nature too.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 12 September, 2016 \u2013 Today, Expedia.com.my<\/a>\u00ae released the results of the 2016 Expedia\u00ae Flip Flop Report, an annual study of the behavior and preferences among beachgoers around the world.<\/p>\n

Aside from a resounding statement by 38 percent that they prefer to holiday at one of the many pristine local beaches and that 71 percent have taken a beach vacation in the last 12 months, a lot of quirky habits were discovered as well.<\/p>\n

Expedia Flip Flop Report 2016\"flipflop-floaty-divider\"<\/h2>\n

Even after more than 30 years, the movie Jaws <\/em>might have left an imprint, as 35 percent of Malaysian beach-going respondents said they were afraid of shark attacks. This is despite the fact that shark attacks are extremely rare in the country. A popular shark attacks tracking site http:\/\/www.sharkattackdata.com\/place\/malaysia<\/a> notes only three, non-lethal incidents in Malaysia since 1968. This sits pretty high when compared to the mere 16% who ranked fear of drowning as their top beach-related concern. The reason for this might be pretty clear though, seeing that 51 percent of Malaysian beachgoers hardly swims on the beach, and instead, prefers to watch other beachgoers (about 40%).<\/p>\n

Simon Fiquet, General Manager for Southeast Asia and India, Expedia group said: \u201cThe study enlightens us to the fact that Malaysia, with its people, is indeed an interesting destination to visit! Malaysians obviously already know this and domestically, the tourism industry is seeing positive growth with popular destinations like the Pulau Perhentian, Langkawi and Pangkor Laut beaches continuing to attract local and foreign travelers year after year.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Slobs be gone!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Nothing seems to annoy Malaysian beachgoer, and threatens to spoil their vacation, more than The Slob <\/strong>\u2013 the culprit who leaves garbage on the beach behind them. Some 56 percent of respondents voted against The Slob, which is surely a great news for everyone interested in keeping Malaysia\u2019s white sands, and clear, blue waters in pristine condition.<\/p>\n

Some other pet-peeves of Malaysian beach vacationers include:<\/p>\n