- More Filipinos are traveling with loved ones, as group travel spiked by almost 180 percent year-on-year in 2022
- For the summer travel season, Airbnb is seeing almost 400 percent growth in searches for Philippines stays, with Santa Maria ranking as the #1 trending destination
According to the latest data released by Airbnb, the Philippines experienced a significant surge in travel activity in 2022, with nights booked more than doubling from the previous year. Domestic travel played a major role in this recovery, as the Philippines emerged as the top travel destination among locals in 2022.
Connecting with loved ones was a key factor driving the resurgence of travel, particularly during longer holidays and local festivals. Although bookings for pairs were the most common type of booking for Filipinos on Airbnb, there was a substantial increase in group travel, with nights booked rising by nearly 180% year-on-year in 2022. The average length of stay for guests on Airbnb was approximately three nights.
Filipinos are also becoming more adventurous in their travel choices, with an eagerness to explore both nearby and faraway destinations. The United States and Canada were the top two overseas destinations booked by Filipinos on Airbnb, followed by Japan, Korea, and Thailand. Last year, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, London, New York, and Toronto were the most booked overseas cities by Filipinos.
International travelers are also planning their overseas getaways with renewed enthusiasm, with many showing interest in tropical island destinations like the Philippines. The United States emerged as the top country of origin for international Airbnb guests in the Philippines, followed by Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Korea.
Overall, the data suggests that the Philippine tourism industry is making a strong recovery after the pandemic-induced slowdown, and Airbnb is well-positioned to play a significant role in facilitating travel and tourism in the country.
Summer travel is on the rise
With the Philippine government announcing a five-day long weekend this Holy Week, Filipinos are eager to travel this summer. This is reflected in the almost 400 percent growth in searches for stays in the Philippines on Airbnb.
The top five most searched cities by Filipino travelers this summer are Santa Maria in Bulacan, Malay in Aklan, Baguio City in Benguet, Cebu City in Cebu, and Pasay City in Manila. These destinations offer a diverse range of experiences, from beaches to mountain retreats, and cultural attractions to modern cityscapes.
On the other hand, Manila emerged as the most sought-after domestic destination for international travelers, followed by other popular travel hotspots such as Cebu City, Malay, and El Nido. These destinations offer a unique glimpse into Philippine culture and history, as well as stunning natural beauty.
Overall, the surge in travel interest is a promising sign for the Philippine tourism industry, as it continues to recover from the pandemic-induced slowdown. With its wide range of travel offerings and growing popularity among both local and international travelers, the Philippines is poised to become a top travel destination in the coming years.
Group-friendly villas on Airbnb include Vendali Villa and Asteria Villa in Santa Maria
According to Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, the current travel rebound in the Philippines is a positive sign for the country’s aim to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia in the coming years. Bajaj also noted that traveling with loved ones remains a top priority for Filipinos, and Airbnb is well-positioned to cater to this demand with a wide variety of unique stays at different price points.
The growing enthusiasm among Filipinos and international travelers to visit the country’s beautiful beaches, experience its rich culture, and enjoy the famous Filipino hospitality is a promising development. This is expected to lead to more tourism dollars flowing into more communities, supporting local businesses and creating more jobs.
Airbnb is committed to working closely with the government and industry stakeholders to support and further drive travel as it returns. By providing safe and unique accommodations to travelers and supporting local communities, Airbnb hopes to contribute to the country’s sustainable tourism growth.
