Filipinos eager to travel as options go digital

Tourists enjoy the beach in Boracay’s Station 2. Boracay remains among the top destination for domestic travel. ABS-CBN NEWS/FILE PHOTO
Tourists enjoy the beach in Boracay’s Station 2. Boracay remains among the top destination for domestic travel. ABS-CBN NEWS/FILE PHOTO

MORE Filipinos are eager to travel as the tourism industry goes digital and destinations ease restrictions.

The Travel Pulse study said 75 percent of Filipinos are also willing to spend for travel “to make the most out of post-pandemic experiences,” according to Michelle Ho, general manager for Klook Philippines and Thailand.

The study analyzes consumer travel trends based on data gathered from booking app Klook.

“Travel has become even more accessible to consumers now that more people are becoming digital-savvy, and we believe this digital transformation is contributing greatly to the acceleration of tourism growth in the region,” Ho said.

The study showed that Klook users in the Philippines are inclined towards travel to neighboring countries like Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong due to proximity and no-visa requirement.

Ho said there is an increased interest to visit Hong Kong after it lifted restrictions.

“I would say that ever since they lifted restrictions back in January, or prior to Chinese New Year all the way to two weeks ago when they lifted the mandate for face masks, we’re seeing the increase in the interest for Hong Kong,” she said.

There’s also continued growth in domestic travel with Boracay, Manila, Tagaytay, Cebu, Clark, and Subic as some of the most popular destinations.

The study added Filipinos prefer longer travel durations, with six to nine days (44 percent) being the most popular.

“The Filipinos’ eagerness to travel motivates us to push for experiences that can be achieved at home or abroad,” Ho said, adding that digital technology is a powerful tool that can benefit the majority if done right. (PNA)/PN

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