After enduring the world’s longest lockdown patiently, Filipinos are optimistic to get back to travelling again according to Agoda’s recent travel sentiment survey, with nearly half of the public citing they will dust off their suitcases and travel domestically within four months of restrictions lifting. 

The “Next steps to travel” survey by Agoda, reveals that seven in ten Filipinos are optimistic that they will be able to travel domestically before the end of 2021, with 1 in 5 expecting unrestricted domestic travel. Nearly half, (47%) of people are anticipating the resumption of travel domestically with some travel restrictions/bubbles or corridors.

Interestingly, one in ten Pinoys expects that travelling to international destinations freely will be possible before the year-end, while three in ten think that they will be able to travel internationally through travel bubbles and corridors before the end of 2021. Only 16% plan to put any domestic travel plans on hold until more of the population is vaccinated, with Gen-Z most likely to hold off any domestic travel, at 20%.

With the easing of travel restrictions and rise in vaccination numbers, over a quarter (26%) of Filipinos will travel within the first month, with 8% determined to hit the road immediately, and 44% have intent to travel within four months of restrictions being lifted.

Family travel dominates post COVID travel plans

Almost half of Filipinos (48%) are most looking forward to taking a trip with their immediate family (partner/children), and one in five looking forward to combining a trip with their family and friends (their Barkada). Solo travel most appeals to an adventurous 14%, with Gen-Z most likely to travel solo. Women are most looking forward to travelling with their Barkada more than men, 23% versus 15% respectively.

But while happy to travel with immediate family, absence hasn’t made the heart stronger for extended family, with only 4% of Pinoys most looking forward to travelling with their extended families any time soon.

• Gen-Zers are the generation most keen to travel solo. However, they are also the most likely generation to think there will be no travel at all (19% for domestic travel, 47% for international travel).
• Millennials are most looking forward to travelling with their immediate family (56%). Half of the Millennials surveyed envisage that they will be able to travel domestically before the end of 2021 with some restrictions.

“Filipinos are biting at the bit to travel again, after a year or so of lockdowns there is optimism that domestic travel will be restriction-free before the year’s end.”

“More than 44% of Pinoys want to travel within four months of restrictions easing, so we continue to innovate products to help make travel easier as Pinoys resume travel.  Filipinos can choose from pandemic-friendly travel options to cater to their every need, from GoLocal Tonight deals for spontaneous trips, HygienePlus for their safety needs, and Agoda Special Offer deals that include food and beverage, activities or entertainment value adds,” said Enric Casals, Vice President, Southeast Asia, Partner Services.