2024 Travel Trends for Filipinos: Destinations and Planning
As 2024 ends, many Filipinos are taking advantage of the extended weekend from Saturday, December 28, to New Year’s Day on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. This break provides an ideal chance to relax and explore before starting the new year. Which destinations have been popular this year, and how do Filipinos organise their holiday plans?
Exploring Domestic Travel in the Philippines
The Philippines, a nation of more than 7,000 islands, offers a wealth of destinations close to home. As reported by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the country’s domestic tourism market was valued at $52.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $66.2 billion by the end of the year.
This thriving sector owes much to its beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, and significant historical landmarks. Among the most visited places are Boracay, Baguio, Palawan, Siargao, and Cebu, according to a report by Klook.
Top Domestic Travel Spots:
| Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Boracay | Known for its white-sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, and water sports |
| Baguio | Offers a cool climate, pine forests, and cultural landmarks |
| Palawan | Houses stunning natural wonders like the Underground River |
| Siargao | Famous for surfing and pristine beaches |
| Cebu | Combines urban living with historical sites and beach resorts |
With such diverse offerings, it’s no wonder that domestic travel continues to captivate Filipinos, with many preferring road trips and short flights to these locations.
Making the Most of Domestic Travel
Domestic travel remains affordable for many, with Filipinos spending around P15,000 to P30,000 for four to six-day trips. The rise of travel apps like Klook has made planning easier, though many destinations remain offline and rely on traditional booking methods.
Exploring Abroad: Japan and Beyond
Even with a visa requirement, Japan remains a favourite international destination for Filipinos. This Asian neighbor offers a mix of tradition and modernity that fascinates and draws visitors. In 2023 alone, over 620,000 Filipinos visited Japan, underscoring its appeal. Notably, Japan has relaxed its visa rules for certain categories of Filipino travelers, like business travelers and intellectual figures.
Preferred International Destinations:
- Japan: Explored for its rich culture, modern attractions, and natural beauty.
- Hong Kong: Attracts with its vibrant city life and attractions like Disneyland.
- Thailand: Offers a mix of urban excitement and serene beaches.
- Taiwan: Known for night markets and historical sites.
- Singapore: Popular for its cleanliness, safety, and shopping options.
Klook’s Insights on Japan
Klook’s data indicates that Japan tops the list for outbound Filipino tourists. With the ever-increasing demand, airlines like Cebu Pacific have responded by adding more flights, including direct ones from Cebu to Osaka.
The Allure of Theme Parks and Attractions
Theme parks like Hong Kong Disneyland and Universal Studios are major draws for Filipino travelers. These parks offer unique experiences and novel attractions that appeal to tourists of all ages. Ticket bookings for these attractions typically occur one week in advance, illustrating the interest and planning that goes into such trips.
Top Booked Attractions for 2024:
| Attraction | Location | Popular Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong Disneyland | Hong Kong | Classic Disney magic, rides, shows |
| Universal Studios | Japan & Singapore | Movie-themed rides, entertaining shows |
| Ngong Ping 360 | Hong Kong | Cable car rides with sweeping views |
Demand for Premium Travel Rises
The demand for premium travel options, including first-class airline suites, has grown among Filipinos. Emirates noted a surge in interest in its premium services from the Philippines, particularly post-pandemic. Many Filipinos upgrade from business to first-class seats during their connecting flights through Dubai, illustrating a trend towards luxury travel experiences.
Premium Travel Preferences:
- Emirates’ First-Class Suites: Offers luxurious travel with direct flights from Manila.
A Surge in Concert Tourism
The trend of concert tourism has gained momentum, as evident from the Filipino fans who traveled abroad for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Filipinos dominated ticket sales for her stop in Singapore, representing a significant portion of purchasers. This kind of travel, driven by music festivals and concerts, attracts young Filipinos eager for unique experiences.
Notable Concert Events for Filipinos in 2024:
| Artist | Tour | Locations Attended by Filipinos |
|---|---|---|
| Taylor Swift | Eras Tour | Singapore, Japan, Australia |
| IU | Concert Tour | Hong Kong |
Vacation Planning Strategies
The planning of a holiday involves careful budget management, with international trip budgets ranging from P15,000 to P50,000. This demonstrates a growing enthusiasm for travel among Filipinos, fuelled by holiday breaks such as those in the last quarter of the year, October through December.
Budget Breakdown for Vacations:
| Type of Travel | Budget Range |
|---|---|
| Domestic | P15,000 – P30,000 for 4-6 days |
| International | P15,000 – P50,000 |
The Path Ahead for Filipino Travelers
As 2024 concludes, the travel habits of Filipinos reveal a diverse array of interests, ranging from domestic explorations to international adventures. Whether it’s relaxing on a beach in Boracay or experiencing the winter charm of Japan, Filipinos’ travel ambitions continue to grow.
This enthusiasm is mirrored in increased travel spending, new flight routes, and the willingness to travel for exclusive events like concerts. Looking forward, these trends are likely to shape Filipino travel in 2025, as more individuals look to fully enjoy the experiences their destinations have to offer.
