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Hong Kong holidaymakers dread return more than other Asians, and keep trips short so the work doesn’t pile up, survey finds

Survey of leisure habits finds nearly two-thirds of Hongkongers didn’t use all their leave in 2017, and one in eight feel guilty when they do use all theirs

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Hongkongers queue at the city’s airport to board a holiday flight. Many say they keep trips short so work doesn’t pile up while they are away. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Hongkongers are more likely than others travellers in Asia to dread returning from a holiday, and many don’t use all the leave days due to them, a global survey has found.

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Some 2,001 Hongkongers were questioned for the survey, commissioned by British Airways and conducted in 11 countries and regions between December 20 and January 4. It found that 37 per cent of Hongkongers surveyed were stressed at the thought of going back to work after a holiday – more than in any other place in Asia surveyed.

Additionally, 63 per cent of Hongkongers said they still had unused holidays at the end of last year.

“The main reasons include that they were too busy at work to take time off, are saving them up for a holiday or were not able to take their holiday at certain times of the year.

“Guilt also comes into play, as 12 per cent said they feel guilty for using up all of their holiday allowance,” the airline says.

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More than one in three Hong Kong holidaymakers is stressed about returning to work after a trip, a survey found. Photo: Jonathan Wong
More than one in three Hong Kong holidaymakers is stressed about returning to work after a trip, a survey found. Photo: Jonathan Wong
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