MasterCard Worldwide Survey on Consumer Purchasing Priorities
Dining & Entertainment
Thailand Tops the Tippers from Asia/Pacific region: MasterCard Research
Research on Purchasing Priorities Shows Which Countries Consistently Tip in Bars and Restaurants Revealing Diversity of Consumer Habits in the Region
Singapore, 26 July, 2012 – Thai consumers are the most generous when it comes to tipping, according to research conducted across 14 Asia/Pacific markets by MasterCard Worldwide.
The research is based on a survey conducted between 24 April 2012 and 10 June 2012 with 6904 respondents aged 18 – 64 in 14 Asia/Pacific[1] countries. Interviews were conducted via internet surveys, personal, telephone and Computer Aided Telephone interviews, with the questionnaire translated to the local language wherever appropriate and necessary. The survey findings are part of MasterCard’s suite of research into Consumer Purchasing Priorities in the Asia/Pacific region.
A data visualization to accompany the findings can be found here.
Asia/Pacific’s Consistent Tippers—Main Findings
- Thailand topped the region overall with 89% of respondents claiming they would tip in a restaurant or bar, with more women (89%) and men (90%) than its regional counterparts.
- Philippines was a distant second with 75% overall (W: 78%, M: 71%) ahead of Hong Kong with 71% (W: 69%, M: 73%).
- Japan, South Korea and Taiwan propped up the table with only 3% of Japanese respondents happy to tip in restaurants, 13% of South Koreans and 17% of Taiwanese respondents.
“The research indicates what a diverse set of markets make up the Asia/Pacific region; it is a truly remarkable mix of cultures and understanding them is a big challenge for global businesses. As a company we’re always looking to better understand our customers and their habits: this does give a useful look at how different these markets are,” said Georgette Tan, group head, Communications, Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard Worldwide.
1 Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Most Consistent Tippers in Asia/Pacific region
MasterCard and its Suite of Research Properties
The MasterCard Worldwide Index suite in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa includes the long-running MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence, as well as the MasterCard Worldwide Index of Women’s Advancement, Online Shopping, Index of Financial Literacy, and the Index of Global Destination Cities. In addition to the Indices, MasterCard’s research properties also include a range of consumer surveys including Ethical Spending and a series on Consumer Purchasing Priorities (covering Travel, Dining & Entertainment, Education, Money Management, Luxury and General Shopping).
MasterCard also regularly releases Insights reports providing analysis of business dynamics, financial policies and regulatory activities in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa region. Over 80 Insights reports have been produced since 2004.
MasterCard has also released a series of four books on Asian consumer insights, authored by Dr. Yuwa Hedrick-Wong, Global Economic Advisor for MasterCard Worldwide and published by John Wiley & Sons.
About MasterCard
MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Cashless Conversations Blog and subscribe for the latest news.
Contacts:
Georgette Tan, MasterCard Worldwide, georgette_tan@mastercard.com, +65 6390 5971
Robert O’Brien, Weber Shandwick, robrien@webershandwick.com, +65 6825 8064