Dutch tourists among the longest-staying visitors in the Philippines

Lekker – that’s how most Dutch tourists usually describe the weather or their vacation in the Philippines. In Dutch, it literally translates to “delicious” but could also mean “pleasant,” “nice,” or that thing gives you a good feeling.

So it's not surprising to hear that Dutch tourists are among the longest-staying visitor of the Philippines with an average stay of 14.35 nights.

Tourist arrivals from The Netherlands have grown by an average of 10% per year from 2015 to 2019, with 41,313 tourists visiting in 2019 before the pandemic.

According to the Philippine Tourism Office in Frankfurt, beach, nature and culture are among the top three reasons why Dutch tourists fall in love with the Philippines. So much so that 30% of Dutch travellers are repeat visitors with Manila, Bohol, Cebu, Vigan, Banaue and Palawan, their top destinations.

Data from the Philippine Tourism Office shows that beautiful sceneries, nice beaches and the Filipino warm hospitality are the top attributes that tourists like most about the Philippines.

With the easing of travel restrictions, fully vaccinated Dutch tourists can now enter the country visa-free for a stay up to 30 days. Other entry protocols include proof of vaccination, negative RT-PCR test (taken within 48 hours), 30-day valid tickets, valid passports and travel insurance.

‘With the easing of travel restrictions, we welcome our Dutch friends to come and visit the Philippines. Enjoying the sun and beach in our tropical paradise is one grand way to cast out the pandemic blues,” Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya said.

Repeat visits

Some recommend booking a ticket in the beginning of the year, as it's the best period to escape the cold winter in the Netherlands. In fact, statistics from the Philippine Tourism Office shows that bookings grew by 170% compared to pre-COVID times during the winter period.

According to the TUI Group, a travel agency company, bookings for the Netherlands for summer in 2022 have already exceeded 2019 levels.

Dutch tourist Thomas, 37, is traveling to the Philippines for a third time in April and will be staying in the country for three weeks. “The weather is nice and the beaches and islands are very beautiful. Most people also speak English so it’s easy to navigate your way around,” he says.

Thomas is traveling with Filipina partner, Carol Halog, who is “looking forward to spend time with my family."

"I miss the delicious homecooked Filipino food and the budget-friendly travel destinations,” she says.

Vito Pol, 34, meanwhile has been to the Philippines seven times. With each visit, he makes sure to rent a motorbike, so he could enjoy the freedom of movement when he stays in the islands.

When the Philippine borders opened, he quickly booked a roundtrip ticket, together with his Dutch-Filipina wife Yvonie Gomonit, who hails from Zamboanga del Sur.

“The part that I always enjoy the most in the Philippines is cruising around with my motorbike on the island, hunting for great beaches to chill and looking for snorkelling spots,” Vito Pol says.

During their stay, they visited some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines including Cebu, Boracay and Palawan.

But more than visiting the islands and eating fresh seafood, what makes the trip memorable was the chance for these couple to reunite with their families in the Philippines after three years of being separated due to the pandemic.

Yvonie enjoys the beach with her friends and family after three years of being apart

“Like any other Filipino living abroad, it really feels good to see my family again,” Yvonie says.

“After losing my father a year before my last visit to the Philippines, I decided to visit my mother as much as I can. I’m very grateful the country loosens the pandemic restrictions and made it easier to come back home.”

First-time visits

In a few weeks, Dutch tourist Jordy van Pijkeren will visit Philippines for the first time. Jordy has a long-time partner from the Philippines and he will fly to the Philippines to visit and meet her family for the first time.

“I'm excited and I'm looking forward to explore a new country. I will learn a new culture, try out new food and I will finally meet Mara's family after two and a half years,” he explains.

Living with Filipina Mara Mercado for more than two years, Jordy has already been accustomed to Filipino cuisines like adobo and lumpia and common practices like saying “po” or “opo” and “pagmamano.” Together with Mara, Jordy currently runs a vlog which features Filipino food and customs.

When asked about what is the one unique thing about the Philippines he would never forget, Vito answers, “You Filipinos are the unique element of the Philippines – super friendly, warm and family-oriented people where laughter is important.” — LA, GMA News