Majority of Filipinos are willing to travel locally once restrictions are lifted, survey says

A survey conducted by the Department of Tourism showed that 77% of Filipinos said they were willing to travel locally, once restrictions are lifted post COVID-19.

DOT released the report called "Philippine Travel Survey: Insights on Filipino Travel Behavior Post-COVID 19" in a webinar on Monday, June 29.

The survey, conducted last May among 12,000 respondents in the Philippines, said Filipinos preferred to travel to places closer to home.

Boracay, Siargao, and Baguio top the list of destinations to visit when travel is permitted again.

Aside from the proximity of the destination, respondents still have health and safety as the primary concern of travelers.

Most respondents said they prefer activities with limited face-to-face interaction.

The statement said the top travel activities that are high on the respondents' minds include beach trips (69%), road trips (54%), and staycations (41%).

It also stated that fewer people are likely to travel internationally due to reduced incomes, an impact of the pandemic on the economy.

According to the insights, DOT said "domestic leisure travel will lead the recovery of Philippine tourism."

Health and safety still a top priority for tourists

There is also a shift seen among a majority of travellers, with 72% of respondents preferring to go digital when booking travel arrangements.

Most of the respondents are also expecting tourism establishments to adapt with the new normal and implement self-service processes, contactless check-in, and digital payments.

The statement also said that they would only feel comfortable taking trips once a reliable anti-COVID-19 vaccine or treatment is available and if the country's situation gets better.

With safety as top priority in mind, 88% of respondents are willing to comply with existing health and safety protocols, including rapid COVID-19 tests prior to departure and submitting a medical certificate before traveling.

The DOT survey report "recommends that establishments and organizations emphasize safety and be transparent in addressing customers’ concerns."

Tourism stakeholders are also recommended to collaborate with authorities so they can innovate and adapt to the new normal.

In June, DOT released health and safety guidelines to sectors related to local tourism such as hotels, resorts, tourist transportation, surfing and restaurants.

“We believe in a collaborative approach to recovery,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

“The survey, which was distributed online, sought the sentiments and concerns that respondents have concerning domestic travel in light of the pandemic, in order to provide insights to tourism enterprises to better prepare, respond, and serve guests and tourists again," she added. — LA, GMA News